BRUSSELS — European Union member states agreed on Wednesday to adopt a 2040 climate target that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, though the deal includes provisions allowing some flexibility that could effectively weaken the overall ambition.

During a public vote, EU climate ministers endorsed the 90% reduction goal but also agreed that countries may offset up to 5% of this target by purchasing foreign carbon credits, Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard announced. Aagaard chaired the negotiations under Denmark’s rotating EU presidency.

This adjustment means that domestic emissions cuts within the EU could total around 85%, rather than the full 90%, as industries would be allowed to rely on credits generated outside the bloc.

Aagaard added that ministers also left open the possibility of using additional international carbon credits in the future to account for another 5% of emissions, which could further lower the effective reduction required from European industries.

The agreement marks a key step toward shaping the EU’s long-term climate framework as the bloc seeks to balance environmental ambition with economic competitiveness and energy security in the run-up to 2040.