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According to a report published by the European Environment Agency, greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions remain high, primarily due to the ongoing reliance on road transport. While rail offers a low-emission alternative for the transport of people and goods, road traffic remains the dominant sector.
Transport is central to modern society and the European economy, as stated by the Environment Agency. It supports more than 10 million jobs and contributes about 5% to the EU’s gross domestic product. Nevertheless, the transport sector, according to the report, is the only major area where greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990. In 2023, the sector accounted for about one-third of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport having the largest share.
Challenges in Emission Reduction
The EU targets, including climate neutrality by 2050 and zero environmental goals for 2030, require comprehensive measures, as the report reveals. Despite progress in reducing exhaust emissions in the past, transport remains a pressure factor for the environment and human health. Emissions of certain pollutants, such as ammonia (NH₃) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), continue to be difficult to reduce. Additionally, noise pollution from transport affects millions of people across Europe. Road transport dominates both passenger and freight transport, as highlighted in the report. In 2023, it was responsible for nearly three-quarters of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuels account for more than 90% of energy consumption.
In contrast, rail transport, according to the report, offers high energy efficiency and low emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. It represents an option to reduce the ecological footprint. This is particularly true for medium and long distances, as noted by the Environment Agency. However, the European rail network remains fragmented, and limited cross-border integration restricts its capability. Rail activity in freight transport has declined between 1995 and 2023.
