Europe's Air Quality Improves in 2025, Copernicus Report Shows

Europe is breathing easier as air quality saw notable improvements in 2025, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

Emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) decreased annually by approximately three to five percent between 2015 and the end of 2024. These gains are attributed to European Union initiatives aimed at curbing air pollutant emissions, particularly in the transport and industrial sectors.

However, the report also highlights persistent environmental challenges. While overall air quality improved, 2025 was Europe's third-warmest year on record, leading to increased ozone pollution in southern, western, and central regions due to high temperatures and intense sunlight. Dry conditions also fueled wildfires in Portugal and Spain. In contrast, colder winter temperatures in Eastern Europe led to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter as indoor heating increased.

Laurence Rouil, director of CAMS, expressed satisfaction with the year's results, noting "Europe continues to make steady progress in improving air quality thanks to ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from transport, industry, residential heating, and other key sectors." These trend analyses are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of current policies and informing future recommendations.

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Europe continues to make steady progress in improving air quality thanks to ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from transport, industry, residential heating, and other key sectors.