EU emissions increased slightly last year, according to preliminary estimates, signalling a slowdown in the bloc’s efforts to reduce planet-warming pollution.
Data released by the European Statistical Office showed that the European Union emitted 3.34 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2025, compared with 3.31 billion tonnes in 2024. The figures represent an increase of around 1%.
The rise comes despite the EU’s long-term climate strategy and continued progress in some sectors.
Long-term decline remains in place
Although the latest figures show a yearly increase, the broader trend remains downward. Since 2015, greenhouse gas emissions across the bloc have fallen by approximately 17%.
Emissions recorded in 2025 also remained slightly below 2023 levels.
However, analysts note that the latest data indicate that the pace of reductions has weakened in recent years, suggesting that further action may be needed to maintain momentum.
Transport and heating remain challenges
Pollution from electricity generation has continued to decline as renewable energy sources gain a larger share in the energy mix.
However, sectors such as transport and heating continue to present challenges. Previous data showed that emissions linked to transport have largely remained unchanged.
Analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air suggested that colder weather conditions may have contributed to the latest increase, leading to higher emissions from gas-powered heating systems.
EU maintains ambitious climate targets
The EU has legally committed to cutting emissions by 55% below 1990 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Last year, the bloc also adopted an interim target aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% by 2040.
Earlier estimates from the European Environment Agency showed that by 2024, the EU had already achieved a 40% reduction in emissions compared with 1990 levels.
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