EU environment ministers have reached agreement on the bloc's 2040 climate target following all-night negotiations in Brussels.
Member states have agreed a target of cutting carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
It is understood the measures were approved by a weighted majority of member states early this morning.
Ministers also agreed to a range of cutting emissions of between 66.25% and 72.5% by 2035.
This target will be enshrined in the so-called Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
The EU will bring this target to the UN COP30 climate summit in Brazil this week.
Under the 2040 agreement, member states will be able to outsource up to 5% of their national effort in reducing carbon emissions to non-EU countries through international credits.
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That system will begin in 2036, although there will be a pilot project running between 2031-35.
Ministers also agreed a revision clause, whereby the European Commission will assess flexibility for member states in meeting their targets, with the potential for further use of international credits.
Member states agreed to postpone by one year the new Emission Trading System covering buildings and transport. The so-called ETS2 scheme was due to come into effect in 2027.
Environmental groups criticised the outcome of 18 hours of negotiation, claiming the deal amounted to a watering down of the EU's climate goals, particularly the flexibility in allowing member states to outsource up to 5% of their obligations to non-EU countries.
"The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change had called for emissions cuts of 90-95% by 2040, and had stressed that this target must be for domestic reductions to climate pollution, not cuts outsourced to other countries," said Greenpeace.
"The use of offshore carbon laundering to meet this nominal target means the EU's own commitment is much lower, and that commitment means even less with a baked-in clause to dilute the target every two years," said Greenpeace EU climate campaigner Thomas Gelin.
"It's like promising to run a marathon by only training [for] 10km, taking the bus for the last kilometre of that, and reserving the right to just stay home if it rains."
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Under the agreement, there will be a review every two years by the European Commission whereby the European Commission could reframe the 2040 target according to a range of criteria.
These include energy prices, whether or not carbon sinks, such as forests or soils, are taking as much carbon from the atmosphere as hoped, the impact on the EU's competitiveness and industry, and whether or not new technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture, can have a further impact on reducing emissions.
Member states may be allowed to use more international credits under any of these criteria.
Officials say that this flexibility is optional, meaning member states can use a smaller share of the 5%.
Climate Policy Officer at WWF EU, Michael Sicaud-Clyet, said: "Member states are claiming they have agreed on a 90% target, but that's just sleight of hand.
"Once you strip off the offsets and the potential emergency break for carbon sinks, the real figure will be lower than 85%. The EU should lead by example, not by loophole."
The text was agreed by a so-called qualified majority vote, with Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland refusing to back the 2040 target. Bulgaria and Belgium reportedly abstained.
It is understood that Italy led a group of countries, including Poland and Romania, in pushing for a postponement of the ETS2 requirements to reduce carbon emissions in the transport and building sectors.
Agreement an 'important milestone' - O'Brien
Minister for Environment Darragh O'Brien said that the agreement represented an "important milestone".
"I welcome the agreement reached last night by EU Environment Ministers and the European Climate Commissioner on the proposed European climate target for 2040 and the Nationally Determined Contribution," he said.
"This represents an important milestone in shaping Europe's long-term response to the climate crisis and in setting a clear direction for our collective efforts beyond 2030.
"It also means that EU Member States will arrive at COP with a credible and ambitious commitment for emissions reductions in our NDC."
Mr O'Brien added that Ireland played a "constructive role" in the discussions, and praised text changes secured by Ireland to the European Climate Law.
"These address a number of our key concerns - including recognition of the particular characteristics of our agriculture sector, the importance of maintaining energy affordability and security, and the need to ensure social cohesion as we continue the transition to a climate-neutral economy," he said.
