EU countries agree 2030 climate goals before battle with lawmakers

FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters, where Brexit talks are taking place, in Brussels, Belgium, December 13, 2020 REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union environment ministers agreed on Thursday to enshrine in law a higher climate change target for 2030, setting themselves up for a battle early next year with lawmakers who want to go even further.

Following a deal between the leaders of the 27 EU member states at an all-night summit last week, environment ministers set a target of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030, substantially toughening an existing 40% target.