In Q2 2024, the European Union reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6% year-on-year, reaching 790 million tons of CO2 equivalent. Over the same period, the EU's GDP grew by 1%, according to Eurostat data.
The largest reductions came from the electricity and gas supply sectors, which saw a 12.1% decline in emissions, followed by households (-4.2%) and industry.
Greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 19 EU countries during the April-June period. Notably, the Netherlands saw the biggest reduction at -9.1%, followed by Bulgaria (-6.3%) and Austria and Hungary (both at -5.9%).
Among the 19 countries that reduced emissions, 5 experienced a decline in GDP, including Ireland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Austria. However, 14 countries, such as Poland, Denmark, Spain, and France, managed to lower emissions while increasing GDP.
In Q1 2024, the EU also reduced emissions by 4% compared to the same period in 2023, with households being the largest source of emissions.
Looking ahead, the European Commission has proposed reducing net emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, and will work with the European Parliament and member states on legislative proposals for this goal.