EU President Herman Van Rompuy on Friday in Paris said that EU leaders had agreed to cut their carbon dioxide emissions by at least 40 per cent based on 1990 levels under new climate targets for 2030.

He said they are agreeing to derive at least 27 per cent of EU energy from renewable sources by the target date, while energy consumption should be cut by at least 27 per cent.

Rompuy said this was a lower figure than originally anticipated.

He said this was good news for citizens as it would bring about sustainable jobs, energy, security and competitiveness.

NAN