Carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union 2000-2023, by country

Germany has consistently produced the most carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union. In 2023, Europe's largest economy emitted nearly 572 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This was slightly more than the combined emissions produced by the next largest emitters in the EU – Italy and Poland. Combined, these three countries accounted for roughly half of EU carbon dioxide emissions in 2023.

Carbon footprints

Although Luxembourg is one of the lowest overall carbon polluters in the EU, the country's per capita GHG emissions are the highest throughout the bloc, at 14.5 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per capita. This is roughly twice the EU average. There are multiple reasons for this, such as a high car ownership rate, and fuel-tourism from neighboring countries due to low prices.

Emission reduction targets

As part of the EU's Effort Sharing Regulation, member states will collectively contribute to EU-level emission reductions of 40 percent in 2030, relative to 2005 levels. The ESR establishes binding GHG emissions targets for each member state. These targets vary greatly, with wealthier countries typically having higher targets. Germany, for example, will need to cut its emissions by 50 percent by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.