After intense negotiations that lasted through the night in Brussels, European leaders reached a deal on the bloc’s updated climate target for 2030, agreeing an EU-wide goal of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and backing a technology neutral approach that does not rule out nuclear.

A statement issued by the European Council after the negotiations said the Council would “respect the right of member states to decide on their energy mix and to choose the most appropriate technologies to achieve collectively the 2030 climate target.” The statement did not mention nuclear, but said transitional technologies such as gas would be allowed.

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, who chaired the talks, said Europe is the leader in the fight against climate change. “After many hours of intense negotiations and political engagement it’s an important step forward,” he said.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said: “Europe will reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It puts us on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050.”