Merkel calls for EU-wide climate neutrality

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the European Union to support ambitious targets for the entire 28-nation bloc to become climate neutral.

Merkel made her appeal after she and members of her "climate Cabinet" met their Dutch counterparts at the official residence of Prime Minister Mark Rutte to share experiences on how best to shift their economies to sustainable energy sources.

Merkel said Germany aims to become climate neutral by 2050. While she acknowledged the challenge of winning support from all EU countries, she said "it would be very important" to make that the goal for the entire bloc.

Merkel and ministers from climate-related portfolios - the environment, transportation, agriculture, building, economy and finance - are aiming to finalize measures that will cut German emissions of greenhouse gases by 55% by 2030, the DPA reported.

Germany has reduced its greenhouse gas output by 32% since 1990 but will miss the 40% target it set for 2020.