Publications

Submission under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. You can read more on the press release .

Air quality in Europe 2021

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and has significant impacts on the health of the European population, particularly in urban areas. While emissions of key air pollutants and their concentrations in ambient air have fallen significantly over the past two decades in Europe, air quality remains poor in many areas.

Air quality in Europe 2022

Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk in Europe and significantly impacts the health of the European population, particularly in urban areas. While emissions of key air pollutants and their concentrations in ambient air have fallen significantly over the past two decades in Europe, air quality remains poor in many areas.

This report provides a description of the land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector, as a relatively new sector in EU climate governance. It assesses the sector in terms of reported GHG emissions and removals, based on information provided in the latest EU greenhouse gas inventories as well as latest available projections data (reporting years 2023-2024). The report provides insights on ways to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance removals in the LULUCF sector, and what enabling conditions are most relevant to upscale options.

Opportunities for innovation in the bioeconomy

This briefing identifies bio-based innovations with high potential to support the forthcoming updated EU bioeconomy strategy. The briefing also relates to broader EU climate and biodiversity goals, helping inform national and regional strategies. The analysis draws on data from EU and international institutions.

The report provides an overview of the EEA’s key activities and achievements during the year, as we work to provide timely environmental data, knowledge, assessments and reporting to inform policy makers, the general public and other stakeholders.

Water savings for a water-resilient Europe

This briefing explores potential water savings that could be achieved in key European economic sectors to improve water efficiency and address growing uncertainties related to water availability. It provides context for the European Water Resilience Strategy among other European policy instruments.

There is a clear need to ramp up justice considerations in adaptation. By integrating justice into adaptation efforts and addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of different social groups, policymakers can create more resilient and equitable communities that are better prepared to cope with climate-related hazards.

European bathing water quality in 2024

This briefing provides information on the quality of Europe’s bathing waters and is complemented by a map viewer to help people make informed decisions about where to bathe. It is published in the context of the European Union’s zero pollution action plan and is based on analysis of data reported by EU Member States for the 2021-2024 bathing seasons as required under the Bathing Water Directive (BWD) (EU, 2006).

Protecting and restoring Europe’s wild pollinators and their habitats

This briefing provides an overview of wild pollinators, the main drivers of their decline and solutions to protect and restore them. It highlights the importance of establishing an EU-wide standardised monitoring framework of pollinators. The briefing is published in the context of the Nature Restoration Regulation, the EU Pollinators Initiative and the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food.

Economic losses and fatalities from weather- and climate-related extremes

This briefing is about the significant fatalities and economic losses from natural hazards between 1980 and 2023. It also examines the widening insurance protection gap, includes fresh data on six Western Balkan countries and insights to complement the relevant annual indicator .

Air pollution in Europe — 2025 reporting status under the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive

This briefing describes progress made by the European Union and its Member States in reducing air pollutant emissions, as regulated by the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (EU/2016/2284). It is based on data reported by EU Member States in 2025 for their 2023 emissions.

The Environmental noise in Europe — 2025 report presents the latest data and analysis on noise pollution and its effects on human health and the environment across Europe. The report draws on information submitted by European Union (EU) Member States and other EEA countries under the 2022 reporting round of the Environmental Noise Directive (END).

Over the past five years, EU policy frameworks for climate mitigation and energy system transformation have become far more coherent and complete. Infrastructure security and resilience have been bolstered through integrated climate and energy planning in tandem with national and cross-border efforts to ensure sound policy implementation. It is now critical that decision-makers translate objectives and priorities for the energy system transition into actionable measures.

This document is the annual EU emission inventory report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long‑range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention) (UNECE, 1979). The report and its accompanying data are the official submission to the Air Convention from the European Commission on behalf of the EU as a Party to the UNECE Air Convention. The European Environment Agency (EEA) compiled the report, working together with the EU Member States and the European Commission.

Eionet core dataflows 2024

This briefing summarises the evaluation of hundreds of data deliveries received from reporting countries for 13 Eionet core data flows. It shows progress against agreed reporting criteria, allowing countries to identify and prioritise the resources they need for regular reporting procedures.

State of the Environment reporting in Europe: United in diversity

State of Environment reporting in Europe provide targeted environmental information and knowledge for decision-makers, the civil society and beyond. European and national reports vary in character, form, content and publication frequency enabling to address environmental issues in the most effective way as shown by infographics for the EEA and 26 Eionet countries.

This report explores the historical trends, most recent progress and projected future developments in climate change mitigation through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy gains and improved energy efficiency. It builds upon data reported by all 27 European Union (EU) Member States, five European Environment Agency (EEA) member countries and nine Energy Community contracting parties. A technical background document accompanies this report, providing further detail on the data sources and targets referenced throughout.

The EEA takes stock annually of progress towards the 8th Environment Action Programme (8th EAP) objectives on the basis of a set of 28 headline indicators and corresponding targets.

From adaptation planning to action: Insights into progress and challenges across Europe

This briefing outlines the progress and challenges around Europe’s climate adaptation policies and actions, drawing on 2025 data reported by the EU-27 under the Governance Regulation, with extra insights from voluntary reporting by Iceland, Switzerland and Türkiye and desk research .