The largest source of emissions was the electricity and gas supply sector – 23.7% of the total volume
In the third quarter of 2023, the European Union reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.1% compared to the same period in 2022 – to 787 million tons (CO 2 equivalent). During the same period, EU GDP remained stable, registering a slight fluctuation (-0.2% per year). This is evidenced by Eurostat data.
During this period, the largest source of emissions was the energy and gas supply sector – 23.7% of the total. Families were responsible for 6.5% of emissions and industry for 4.9%.
During the period, greenhouse gas emissions fell in 23 EU countries. Growth was recorded in Malta (+7.7% per year), Cyprus (+3.7%) and Slovakia (+0.9%). Among them, three had GDP growth: Malta (+7.1% per year), Cyprus (+2.5%) and Slovakia (+1.1%).
The largest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were recorded in Estonia (-30.7% annually), Bulgaria (-18.6%) and Germany (-12.2%).
Of the 23 EU countries that have reduced emissions, 11 have recorded a fall in GDP, including Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Hungary. Italy maintained GDP at the level of the third quarter of 2022 and reduced emissions.
The other 11 EU countries – Romania, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, Poland, France and Lithuania – managed to reduce emissions and, at the same time, increase GDP.
In the second quarter of 2023, the European Union reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2022, to 821 million tons (CO 2 equivalent). During the same period, EU GDP remained stable, registering a slight fluctuation (+0.05% per year). The largest source of emissions was the manufacturing industry – 23.5% of the total.
As the GMK Center previously reported, the European Commission recommends that the EU reduces net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels). This climate target will be discussed with the European Parliament and Member States, and the next European Commission will present legislative proposals on this basis.
According to Axel Eggert CEO of the European Steel Association EUROFER, EU steel producers support the bloc's goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The industry has launched more than 60 projects that, if effectively supported, will guarantee significant emissions reductions by 2030.
