EU agrees weakened climate target in final-hour deal for COP30

People taking part in a 'Fridays For Future' protest rally in Berlin, Germany. File Picture: AP Photo/Michael Sohn

EU climate ministers agreed a 2040 climate change target in the early hours of Wednesday after watering down the goal in last-minute negotiations, as they raced to clinch the deal before the UN COP30 summit in Brazil.

After negotiating late into Tuesday night, climate ministers from European Union countries approved in a public vote a compromise to cut emissions 90% by 2040, from 1990 levels, but with flexibilities to weaken this aim.