"We accept the EU guidelines to demonstrate that we support the European emissions trading scheme," the paper quoted Gabriel as saying on the fringes a United Nations environment meeting.

A spokesman for the Environment Ministry declined to comment on the newspaper report.

Germany had until now insisted on an allowance of 465 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, attracting criticism from some quarters as it simultaneously stresses the dangers of climate change during its presidency of the European Union.

Gabriel's comments are at odds with recent German opposition to the European Commission's demands and could renew tensions between his ministry and the Economy Ministry, which has resisted a further reduction in emissions.

"The Europeans are the frontrunners in protecting the climate and we are trying to get the others to join us," Gabriel told the paper in an advance excerpt from its Friday edition.

In November, the European Commission slashed by 6 percent Germany's planned annual quota of 482 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the second period of the bloc's carbon market, Europe's key tool to combat climate change.

Last month, German Economy Minister Michael Glos threatened to use legal action to thwart the Commission's efforts to impose tougher quotas on carbon dioxide emissions.