In this March 3, 2020 file photo, the European Union flag flies in front of images projected by activists from the environmental group Greenpeace showing Earth on fire onto the European Commission headquarters during a protest action on the eve of the presentation of the European Union climate law, in Brussels. (KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

BRUSSELS  - The European Parliament on Tuesday voted in favor of a legally binding target for the European Union to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030, against 1990 levels, according to vote results released on Wednesday.

That goal is tougher than the 2030 emissions cut of “at least 55 percent” proposed by the EU Commission. It also goes beyond the level of cuts supported by most EU member countries, who must negotiate with Parliament to agree the final goal.

The EU’s current 2030 target is a 40 percent emissions cut.

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