European Union leaders reach consensus on 55% emissions cut by 2030

BRUSSELS: Leaders of the European Union (EU) reached an agreement to cut the bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by the end of next decade from the 1990 level, European Council President Charles Michel announced.

"Europe is the leader in the fight against climate change. We decided to cut our greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55 per cent by 2030," he tweeted early Friday morning. The member states green-lighted the European Commission's proposal to toughen the bloc's medium-term target as part of the long-term goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Xinhua reported.

The deal was reached following late-night talks as part of the leaders' two-day summit in Brussels. Some member states, especially those which still rely on coal, had been opposing the ambitious plans but finally agreed to support the enhanced goal.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the climate deal while addressing a joint press conference with Michel and German Chancellor Angela Merkel following the European Council meeting on Friday. "Today's agreement puts us on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050. It gives certainty to investors, to businesses, to public authorities and to citizens. It future-proofs our Union," she said as she heaped praise on the German Presidency of the EU. (IANS)

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