Europe is facing degradation and exploitation of nature, as well as biodiversity loss and other environmental threats. The impact of these climate risks to quality of life is enormous, and even though progress has been made, Europe must continue to address climate change. As cities are at the forefront of climate change, their efforts to adapt to and mitigate its effects at the local level are vital. From tackling air pollution to improving waste recycling, these efforts are paying off. Now it is the time for further action and scaling up existing efforts to build a cleaner, fairer and more resilient Europe.
We cannot afford to lower our climate, environment and sustainability ambitions. [...]In the European Union, we have the policies, the tools and the knowledge, and decades of experience in working together towards our sustainability goals. What we do today will shape our future.
- EEA Executive Direction Leena Ylä-Mononen
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has just published 'Europe's Environment 2025'. This report offers the most comprehensive analysis of the state of the environment in Europe concerning the environment, climate, and sustainability. It is based on data from 38 countries.
The report highlights priorities that are already at the top of cities' agendas, providing science-based data to inform political action. The message is clear: protecting the environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and reducing pollution are essential to safeguarding our societies and economies. Indeed, Wopke Hoekstra, the Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, stated that the cost of inaction is enormous. This is a fact that cities are well aware of.
For this reason, the EEA’s report urges the accelerated implementation of policies and long-term sustainability-enabling actions already agreed under the European Green Deal. As the EEA highlights, these actions align with the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass priorities of innovation, decarbonisation and security.
The report also shows that action pays off: the European Union remains a world leader in climate action, as evidenced by reductions in emissions and an increasing share of renewable energy. Other positive indicators include improvements in air quality, waste recycling, and resource efficiency. These are all areas in which cities are investing heavily, as showcased by the signatories cities of the Green City Accord.
Climate change is here to stay
However, while some progress has been made, the situation remains critical in several areas and is worsening in others.
The European food system, with its unsustainable production and consumption practices, is putting pressure on biodiversity in all ecosystems: terrestrial, freshwater and marine. Even worse, this deterioration is expected to continue regardless of the 2030 targets on this issue.
Additionally, even though water resilience is becoming increasingly central to the EU agenda, the report confirms that Europe’s water resources are under severe pressure, with one third of the population and territory affected by water stress. Greater efforts are needed to ensure true water resilience.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent and is experiencing an increasing frequency and magnitude of climate-related disasters. The effects of climate change are evident: from heatwaves and floods to droughts and wildfires.
How cities can deal with it
Cities are on the front line of climate change, and their efforts to adapt and mitigate its effects are crucial. As showcased by the City Refresh Campaign, cities can make the difference. However, further action is needed, and the EU must invest more and coordinate its adaptation and mitigation efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.
This report is a stark reminder that Europe must stay the course and even accelerate our climate and environmental ambitions. [...] Protecting nature is not a cost. It is an investment in competitiveness, resilience and the well-being of our citizens. By scaling up action now, we can build a cleaner, fairer and more resilient Europe for future generations.
- Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera
Cities can contribute to this call by developing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), action plans designed to tackle climate change and facilitate a just transition. To support municipalities in doing so, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) recently published the SECAP Guidebooks to help municipalities step up their climate action.
Background
The EEA publishes a State of the Environment report every five years, as required by its regulations. Europe's Environment 2025 is the seventh such report published by the EEA since 1995. It provides robust, evidence-based insights into how we must respond to the significant and complex challenges we face, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and air and water pollution.
It has been prepared in close collaboration with the EEA’s European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet).
More information
Read the EEA’s press release
Read the full report here.
Details
- Publication date
- 1 October 2025