EU countries agree deal on 2040 climate target - EU Danish presidency

BRUSSELS, Nov 5 (Reuters) - EU countries' climate ministers approved on Wednesday a 2040 climate change target to cut emissions by 90%, but with flexibilities to weaken this aim.

In a public vote, ministers approved in a public vote the 90% target, which would let countries buy foreign carbon credits to cover up to 5% of the 90% emissions-cutting goal, said Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard, who chaired the talks.

That would effectively weaken to 85% the emissions cuts required from European industries.

The EU also agreed to consider the option, in future, to use international carbon credits to meet a further 5% of the 2040 emissions reductions, Aagaard said - potentially shaving another 5% off their domestic target.