Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union (EU-28) 2018, by country

Luxembourg produced 20.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita in 2018. This was the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita in the European Union. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg’s per capita GHG emissions are more than double the average EU per capita GHG emissions. One reason for Luxembourg's high carbon footprint is its high number of passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants.

EU emissions are falling

Annual carbon dioxide emissions in the EU fell to their lowest level for more than 50 years in 2019. In that year, some 3.3 billion metric tons of CO2 was produced. This was a significant reduction when compared to the 4.7 billion metric tons of CO2 produced in 1979. Since this peak volume, emissions have mostly been falling each year.

Energy sector emissions

One of the main reasons for the reduction in EU greenhouse gases emissions is the decline in energy sector emissions. Since 1990, energy supply related emissions have fallen 35 percent. Further reductions are expected in the sector as renewable energy in the EU continues to grow.