If the European Commission accepts them, they will become legally binding for the next five years.

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However, it was delayed for two years because of concerns raised by Britain and others - but is due to become legally binding at the beginning of 2010.

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The treaty did eventually become legally binding, in February 2005, when the 55 percent emissions stipulation was met by Russian ratification (the 55 countries stipulation had been met in 2002).

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Built into it was a stipulation that it would become legally binding only once it had been ratified by 55 separate countries, but also by enough Annex 1 countries to collectively account for 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

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