The tentative pledge is that all the nations should unilaterally cut emissions by at least 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, while the bigger nations should look at cutting their emissions by 30% if other rich nations like the US join in.

Germany’s Environmental minister Sigmar Gabriel called the move “an historic decision” and suggested countries such as his own could press for a 40% cut in CO2s to help alleviate the burden on smaller less developed nations.

Poland and Hungary for instance have been reticent about agreeing terms until yesterday. “Burden sharing” will allow underdeveloped Eastern European nations and industrialised former soviet states to catch up while the likes of the UK, France, and Germany shoulder the load.

The next summit between the 27 nation states will take place between March 8th-9th, when the EU’s final climate change and energy strategy will be decided ahead of the G8 summit, where the next Kyoto protocol beyond 2012 will be discussed.

“I’m very encouraged by the fact that all member states strongly supported our proposal and the need for the European Union to continue its leadership in fighting climate change,” said Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

Mahi Sideridou of Greenpeace had reservations however, saying: “Ministers have listened to the science and made a leap forward in addressing the climate crisis. But to then suggest a meagre 20% unilateral EU emissions cut, while admitting this is inadequate and that a 30% will be necessary, is a bizarre discrepancy.”