EU leaders have directed the European Commission to produce a long-term climate strategy “by the first quarter of 2019”. They set the deadline for a 2050 greenhouse gas emissions cutting plan at a European Council meeting finishing on Friday. It will update the 2050 low-carbon economy roadmap drafted in 2011. The Council conclusions reaffirmed EU commitment to the Paris climate agreement, describing it as “a key element for the modernisation of the European industry and economy”.