The European Environment Agency’s latest “State of Europe’s Environment 2025” report delivers a stark message: despite progress in cutting emissions and improving air quality, the continent’s nature and ecosystems remain in decline. Biodiversity loss, water stress, and accelerating climate change now pose mounting threats to Europe’s economy, security and quality of life.
A Continent Under Pressure
According to the EEA’s comprehensive report, Europe’s environment is “not good.” While greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 37 percent since 1990 and renewables have more than doubled since 2005, these advances are overshadowed by widespread degradation of natural systems. More than 80 percent of protected habitats remain in poor or bad condition, and two-thirds of European soils show signs of deterioration.
“We cannot afford to lower our climate and environmental ambitions,” said Leena Ylä-Mononen, EEA Executive Director. “What we do today will shape our future.”
Nature in Decline, Waters Under Strain
Biodiversity across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems continues to fall, driven largely by unsustainable agriculture and land use. The report warns that agreed policy objectives for 2030 are unlikely to be met, meaning continued ecosystem decline for the next decade.
Water resources are also under intense strain. Around one third of Europe’s population and territory now experience water stress, while only 37 percent of surface waters achieve “good ecological status.” Droughts, floods and pollution are compounding the crisis, threatening drinking water, food production and aquatic ecosystems.
Fastest-Warming Continent
Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent on the planet, the EEA notes. Rising temperatures are driving increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, droughts and heatwaves, straining public health systems and critical infrastructure. Even under the EU’s ambitious climate goals, further warming is expected, making adaptation measures urgent.
“Recent extreme weather events show how fragile our prosperity and security become when nature is degraded,” said Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. “Protecting nature is not a cost — it is an investment in resilience and the well-being of our citizens.”
Economic Competitiveness at Stake
The report underscores that environmental degradation and climate impacts directly threaten Europe’s competitiveness, which depends heavily on healthy ecosystems and natural resources. Food production, water security, flood protection and carbon sequestration all rely on functioning natural systems. Delaying environmental action, the EEA warns, will increase costs, deepen inequalities and undermine resilience.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, echoed this message: “Healthy nature is the basis for a healthy society and a competitive economy. We must look at the protection of nature as an investment, not a cost.”
From Words to Action
The EEA calls for a rapid acceleration of measures already agreed under the European Green Deal — including restoring habitats, cutting pollution, decarbonising transport and agriculture, and promoting circular economy models that reduce Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials.
“Transformative change is needed,” said Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth. “Europe has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of climate change — the costs of inaction are enormous.”
Investing in nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands and forests, is seen as essential for building resilience, mitigating emissions and protecting communities from extreme weather. Meanwhile, expanding green innovation and sustainable finance can enhance productivity and maintain Europe’s leadership in clean technologies.
What Lies Ahead
Despite daunting trends, the report identifies reasons for hope. Green jobs, technological innovation and sustainable investment are rising across the EU, indicating that a transformation is possible — if backed by political will and consistent implementation.
In line with these findings, the EEA urges member states to view climate neutrality by 2050 not just as an environmental goal but as a strategy for competitiveness and social stability. Achieving it, the agency argues, depends on responsible management of land, water and resources — and on maintaining public trust through a fair, inclusive transition.
For deeper context, readers can explore related coverage on The European Times, analysing how EU policy shifts increasingly tie economic reform to sustainability goals.
Background: The European Environment Agency publishes its State of Environment Report every five years. The 2025 edition — co-created with 38 countries through the EEA’s European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) — provides science-based insights on climate, biodiversity and pollution trends across Europe.
The report and press conference are available on the EEA website. The event was held jointly by the European Commission and EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen in Brussels on 29 September 2025.
