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The European Environment Agency provides sound, independent information on the environment for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy, and also the general public. In close collaboration with the European Environmental Information and Observation Network (Eionet) and its 33 member countries, the EEA gathers data and produces assessments on a wide range of topics related to the environment. Learn more

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New data collected by citizens: Cigarette butts and filters the most common pieces of litter on Europe’s beaches

News 08 Jun 2018

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released new data about litter found on Europe’s beaches. Based on nearly 700,000 collected items, disposable plastics are the biggest contributor to marine litter, with cigarette butts and filters being the most commonly found individual items. The new data has been collected by volunteers using the EEA’s Marine LitterWatch mobile app.

EU’s Climate-ADAPT found to be a key tool for adaptation in Europe

News 06 Jun 2018

The number of users of the joint European Environment Agency (EEA) – European Commission Climate-ADAPT online knowledge hub has increased fivefold since its launch in 2012, according to an EEA report published today. The assessment confirms the increasing value of the web platform for users such as policy makers, city planners, and other experts who are looking to share and make use of information and best practices in adapting to climate change.

Winners of I LIVE GREEN video competition selected

News 05 Jun 2018

Videos sent from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Spain won the prizes of the ‘I LIVE GREEN’ video competition announced today. The competition, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, attracted more 120 entries from 21 European countries.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing

News 31 May 2018

Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

New data collected by citizens: Cigarette butts and filters the most common pieces of litter on Europe’s beaches The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released new data about litter found on Europe’s beaches. Based on nearly 700,000 collected items, disposable plastics are the biggest contributor to marine litter, with cigarette butts and filters being the most commonly found individual items. The new data has been collected by volunteers using the EEA’s Marine LitterWatch mobile app.

EU’s Climate-ADAPT found to be a key tool for adaptation in Europe The number of users of the joint European Environment Agency (EEA) – European Commission Climate-ADAPT online knowledge hub has increased fivefold since its launch in 2012, according to an EEA report published today. The assessment confirms the increasing value of the web platform for users such as policy makers, city planners, and other experts who are looking to share and make use of information and best practices in adapting to climate change.

Winners of I LIVE GREEN video competition selected Videos sent from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Spain won the prizes of the ‘I LIVE GREEN’ video competition announced today. The competition, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, attracted more 120 entries from 21 European countries.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

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Investing for sustainability

Article 15 Jun 2018

The European Commission has recently adopted a package of legal proposals to boost sustainable finance in the European Union (EU). The Commission’s proposals build upon recommendations by the High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance, composed of experts from civil society, the finance sector, academia and European and international institutions. We spoke to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) representative in the Expert Group, Andreas Barkman, who works on strategic advice on climate change and energy issues.

Environmental change: knowledge is key to mitigating impacts on people and nature

Article 15 Jun 2018

Environmental policy making is not an easy task. On the one hand, Europeans want to enjoy the benefits a well-functioning economy provides. On the other, there are significant environmental and health costs attached to our lifestyle choices. A systemic understanding of how nature, economy and human health are connected is essential for identifying the best policy options available. The European Environment Agency aims to support policy making by providing exactly this kind of knowledge.

Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge

Article 15 Mar 2018

Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Aviation and shipping emissions in focus

Article 15 Mar 2018

The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

Investing for sustainability The European Commission has recently adopted a package of legal proposals to boost sustainable finance in the European Union (EU). The Commission’s proposals build upon recommendations by the High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance, composed of experts from civil society, the finance sector, academia and European and international institutions. We spoke to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) representative in the Expert Group, Andreas Barkman, who works on strategic advice on climate change and energy issues.

Environmental change: knowledge is key to mitigating impacts on people and nature Environmental policy making is not an easy task. On the one hand, Europeans want to enjoy the benefits a well-functioning economy provides. On the other, there are significant environmental and health costs attached to our lifestyle choices. A systemic understanding of how nature, economy and human health are connected is essential for identifying the best policy options available. The European Environment Agency aims to support policy making by providing exactly this kind of knowledge.

Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Aviation and shipping emissions in focus The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

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Consolidated Annual Activity Report (CAAR) 2017 - EEA annual report

Publication 15 Jun 2018

The Multiannual Work Programme (MAWP) 2014–2020, ‘Expanding the knowledge base for policy implementation and long-term transitions’, sets out the overall objectives for the work of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Environment Observation and Information Network (Eionet) in line with the provisions of the EEA/Eionet Regulation. The MAWP is delivered through annual work programmes. This Consolidated Annual Activity Report (CAAR) documents the delivery of the Annual Work Programme (AWP) 2017.

Marine Litter Watch - Citizens collect plastic and data to protect Europe's marine environment

Publication 08 Jun 2018

This briefing highlights the work and results of the Marine Litter Watch clean-up activities held on the beaches of Europe’s four regional seas (the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the North-East Atlantic Ocean) between 2014 and 2017. It also presents the top ten litter items found and attempts to link them to the most likely litter sources.

Sharing adaptation information across Europe

Publication 06 Jun 2018

This report provides an evaluation on how the growing knowledge on adaptation in Europe has been captured and how it is presented on the web-based European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT) and shared across Europe.

Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2016 and inventory report 2018

Publication 31 May 2018

Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

Consolidated Annual Activity Report (CAAR) 2017 - EEA annual report The Multiannual Work Programme (MAWP) 2014–2020, ‘Expanding the knowledge base for policy implementation and long-term transitions’, sets out the overall objectives for the work of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Environment Observation and Information Network (Eionet) in line with the provisions of the EEA/Eionet Regulation. The MAWP is delivered through annual work programmes. This Consolidated Annual Activity Report (CAAR) documents the delivery of the Annual Work Programme (AWP) 2017.

Marine Litter Watch - Citizens collect plastic and data to protect Europe's marine environment This briefing highlights the work and results of the Marine Litter Watch clean-up activities held on the beaches of Europe’s four regional seas (the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the North-East Atlantic Ocean) between 2014 and 2017. It also presents the top ten litter items found and attempts to link them to the most likely litter sources.

Sharing adaptation information across Europe This report provides an evaluation on how the growing knowledge on adaptation in Europe has been captured and how it is presented on the web-based European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT) and shared across Europe.

Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2016 and inventory report 2018 Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

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Water is life, let's protect it!

Video 15 Jun 2018

EEA Air quality animation

Video 29 Nov 2017

Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Water is life, let's protect it!

EEA Air quality animation Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

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Improvements and deteriorations in bathing water quality

Figure 14 Jun 2018

Bathing water sites where quality improved from poor in 2016 to sufficient, good or excellent in 2017; and bathing water sites where quality deteriorated from excellent, sufficient or good in 2016 to poor in 2017.

EU progress in meeting its emission ceilings and comparison with future emission reduction commitments

Data Visualization 14 Jun 2018

EU Member State progress in meeting 2010 NEC Directive emission ceilings and 2020/2030 reduction commitments

Figure 14 Jun 2018

'Black check mark' indicates that the emission ceiling or reduction commitment has been, or is anticipated to be, attained. The NEC Directive does not include a 2010 ceiling for PM2.5. ‘Red cross’ indicates that the ceiling or reduction commitment has not been, or is not anticipated to be, attained.

WISE WFD Database

Data 13 Jun 2018

The WISE WFD database contains data from the 1st River Basin Management Plans reported by EU Members States according to article 13 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The database includes information about surface water bodies (number and size, water body category, ecological status or potential, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts) and about groundwater bodies (number and size, quantitative status, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts). The information is presented by country, river basin district (RBD) and river basin district sub-unit (where applicable).

WISE Water Framework Directive

Dashboard (Tableau) 13 Jun 2018

The WISE WFD database contains data from the 1st River Basin Management Plans reported by EU Members States according to article 13 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The dashboards include information about surface water bodies (number and size, water body category, ecological status or potential, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts) and about groundwater bodies (number and size, quantitative status, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts). The information is presented by country, river basin district (RBD) and river basin district sub-unit (where applicable). To facilitate future comparisons, the RBDs and subunits are those used in the 2nd River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Information about the 2nd RBMPs will be published later in 2018.

Electric vehicles as a proportion of the total fleet

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

Distribution of marine litter by material type

Figure 07 Jun 2018

The illustration shows the distribution of marine litter reported by the public and where they were found

When beaches become dumping grounds

Figure 07 Jun 2018

The illustration shows the top ten items of marine litter reported by the public and where they were found.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism

Data 31 May 2018

Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2018 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Actors in the food chain

Infographic 18 Oct 2017

Food system actors represent the largest group of natural resource managers in the world. They are critical in both creating the problems and implementing the solutions. Identifying actors along the food chain as well as where and how power is located enables policy makers to develop management approaches targeted towards those actors with influence. In addition to those directly involved in food chain activities, governments and civil society are also important as they set the wider policy and societal context.

EU animal feed imports and land dependency

Infographic 18 Oct 2017

In a global food system, Europe’s imports and their consumption have an environmental, social and economic impact beyond European borders. In 2013, Europe had net imports of around 27 million tonnes of soybeans and soybean products for oil production and animal feed. This means Europe is dependent on overseas land for its own livestock production most of which is in South America.

Improvements and deteriorations in bathing water quality Bathing water sites where quality improved from poor in 2016 to sufficient, good or excellent in 2017; and bathing water sites where quality deteriorated from excellent, sufficient or good in 2016 to poor in 2017.

EU progress in meeting its emission ceilings and comparison with future emission reduction commitments

EU Member State progress in meeting 2010 NEC Directive emission ceilings and 2020/2030 reduction commitments 'Black check mark' indicates that the emission ceiling or reduction commitment has been, or is anticipated to be, attained. The NEC Directive does not include a 2010 ceiling for PM2.5. ‘Red cross’ indicates that the ceiling or reduction commitment has not been, or is not anticipated to be, attained.

WISE WFD Database The WISE WFD database contains data from the 1st River Basin Management Plans reported by EU Members States according to article 13 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The database includes information about surface water bodies (number and size, water body category, ecological status or potential, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts) and about groundwater bodies (number and size, quantitative status, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts). The information is presented by country, river basin district (RBD) and river basin district sub-unit (where applicable).

WISE Water Framework Directive The WISE WFD database contains data from the 1st River Basin Management Plans reported by EU Members States according to article 13 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The dashboards include information about surface water bodies (number and size, water body category, ecological status or potential, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts) and about groundwater bodies (number and size, quantitative status, chemical status, significant pressures and impacts). The information is presented by country, river basin district (RBD) and river basin district sub-unit (where applicable). To facilitate future comparisons, the RBDs and subunits are those used in the 2nd River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Information about the 2nd RBMPs will be published later in 2018.

$Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.$ Electric vehicles as a proportion of the total fleet Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

Distribution of marine litter by material type The illustration shows the distribution of marine litter reported by the public and where they were found

When beaches become dumping grounds The illustration shows the top ten items of marine litter reported by the public and where they were found.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2018 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.