Editorial — Why Europe needs to stay the course to sustainability in a changing world

The negative impacts go beyond devastating extreme weather events. Europe’s water security is at risk, with 20% of its territory already affected by water stress. Soil degradation threatens food security, as 60%-70% of European soils are already affected. Economic losses from weather-related extremes reached over EUR 162 billion between 2021 and 2023. Beyond such visible impacts and costs lie the hidden, creeping costs — socio-economic instability, resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss. And these pose even greater threats.  

The European Union has put in place bold policies and measures through the European Green Deal and the 8th Environmental Action Programme. These initiatives have delivered substantial progress: greenhouse gas emissions are down 37% compared to 1990 levels, thanks in part to the Fit for 55 package, REPowerEU plan and growing investments in renewables. In line with EU policy goals, protected areas now cover more than 26% of EU land, and more and more of Europe’s seas are designated as marine protected areas.  

Leena Ylä-Mononen

EEA Executive Director

Similarly, thanks to air quality measures taken, the number of deaths in the EU attributable to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) fell by 45% between 2005 and 2022, and the EU remains on track to achieve the 55% reduction target outlined in the EU zero pollution action plan for 2030. Still, at least 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022 were attributable to exposure to PM_2.5 pollution above the WHO recommended concentration levels. Significant challenges remain in sectors like transport, agriculture, and consumption patterns.  

A turning point in a context of 'polycrisis' 

We stand at a critical juncture, navigating what our latest Sustainability Transitions Outlook report terms a 'polycrisis' — a convergence of environmental stress, socio-economic challenges, and geopolitical volatility.  

Let us not despair. Sustainability can go hand-in-hand with competitiveness and security. Indeed, it is only by ensuring a stable natural resource base that we can enhance the EU’s long-term resilience and strengthen its competitive position. 

The numbers tell a compelling story: achieving our climate and sustainability goals will require an additional EUR 520 billion annually through to 2030. This is not a cost — it is an investment in a shared future where Europe has renewable energy, a circular economy, and food security, while reducing inequality and improving public health. 

Justice and fairness at the heart of the transition 

‘Leaving no one behind’ is more than just a slogan. It is a call to action in a world where the benefits of sustainability transitions must reach all citizens. The transition to sustainability will fail if it does not address the questions of justice and fairness in our society. Who will be affected the most? How can they be supported? Policies must target investments to benefit disadvantaged groups and affected regions. The measures taken should reduce and not exacerbate inequalities. They should include, not alienate those who may already feel excluded. Along with policymakers across the EU, knowledge providers have a big role to play in communicating not only the risks, but also the benefits of taking action and how such action is improving Europeans’ lives today.  

The path forward is undeniably challenging, but the good news is that we do have more knowledge and experience than ever before. We know about the challenges we face and the many solutions which already exist. And knowledge is key.  

EEA knowledge to steer Europe towards sustainability 

Now, perhaps more than ever, we need robust scientific data to support environmental policy development. The European Environment Agency, working with our network of experts and partners in Member States and beyond, will continue to collect, analyse and publish scientific data and knowledge to support policymaking and implementation across the EU. And we will continue to keep European citizens informed. Our forthcoming State and outlook of Europe’s environment report will be a vital roadmap, synthesising five years of research to guide Europe’s next steps. 

To stay the course means holding firm in the face of adversity. It means implementing the Green Deal’s existing legislation while accelerating efforts in emissions reduction, climate adaptation, and environmental protection. It means fostering resilience to the inevitable impacts of climate change while demonstrating the economic, social, and health benefits of sustainability transitions.  

And we must stay the course — not just because it is necessary, but because it is also the right thing to do and the only viable choice we have in the long-term.