EU countries approve climate measures after long talks

European Union countries have reached a deal backing stricter climate rules that would eliminate carbon emissions from new cars by 2035 (Michael Sohn/AP)

European Union countries have reached a deal backing stricter climate rules that would eliminate carbon emissions from new cars by 2035 following hard-fought talks that dragged on into the early hours of Wednesday.

The 27 member states found a common agreement on draft legislation aimed at slashing EU greenhouse gases by at least 55% in 2030 compared with 1990 rather than by a previously agreed 40%.