Rail offers a major opportunity for Europe to cut transport emissions, as road transport still dominates

Press releasePublished 10 Feb 2026 Image(C)Jozsef Olveti, Urban Treasures EEA Transport remains Europe's most persistent climate challenge.

While rail offers a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods, Europe's continued reliance on road transport is keeping greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions high, according to a report published today by the European Environment Agency. Transport is essential to modern society and the European economy, supporting more than 10 million jobs and contributing around 5% of the EU's gross domestic product. At the same time, it is the only major sector where greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990.

In 2023, transport accounted for roughly a third of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport responsible for the vast majority, according to the Sustainability of Europe's mobility systems 2025 report [1], published today. Reaching the EU's objectives -- including climate neutrality by 2050 and the Zero Pollution targets for 2030 -- requires sustained efforts. Yet, despite progress in reducing exhaust emissions over recent decades, transport also continues to exert significant pressure on the environment and human health.

Emissions of certain pollutants, including ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O), remain difficult to reduce, while noise pollution from transport continues to affect millions of people across Europe.

Sustainability of Europe's mobility systems 2025

Road transport remains dominant for both passenger and freight travel. Passenger cars account for around 72% of transport activity in Europe, while public transport has not significantly increased its share. In 2023, road transport was responsible for nearly three quarters of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting the sector's continued dependence on fossil fuels, which supplied more than 90% of its energy use.

Road traffic is also the main source of transport-related noise, with around 90 million people in the EU exposed to harmful noise levels above established thresholds. Rail transport, by contrast, offers high energy efficiency and low greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. It represents one of the most effective options for reducing the environmental footprint of transport, particularly for medium- and long-distance travel.

However, Europe's rail system remains fragmented, and limited cross-border integration continues to constrain its ability to compete with car and air travel. In freight transport, rail activity declined between 1995 and 2023, although demand is expected to increase in the coming decade. Looking ahead, aviation and maritime transport are projected to account for a growing share of Europe's transport emissions.

Their combined contribution is expected to rise from around a quarter of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions today to nearly half by 2050, highlighting the need for sustained action across all transport modes.

The report concludes that achieving a sustainable transport system in Europe will require consistent public and private investment, continued innovation, and the effective and thorough implementation of existing legislation, including the revised Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the new ETS2, with strict standards for road transport, aviation and maritime transport.

Making cleaner transport modes more accessible and attractive for both passengers and freight is essential to reducing emissions, improving air quality and lowering noise pollution across Europe.