(ANSA) - BERLIN - CDU and SPD agreed to drop plans to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2020, Reuters reported. Negotiators for Merkel's conservative bloc and the center-left Social Democrats told the parties had agreed in exploratory talks on forming a government that the targeted cut in emissions could no longer be achieved by 2020. They would aim to hit the 40% target in the early 2020s.

Due to strong economic growth and higher-than-expected immigration, Germany is likely to miss its national emissions target for 2020 without any additional measures. The deal would represent something of a U-turn for Merkel, who has long presented herself as an advocate of climate protection policies on the international stage. Negotiators also agreed to cut the tax on electricity in order to reduce energy costs. The agreement, worked out by energy experts from both sides, must still be approved by party leaders. (ANSA).