Cyprus recorded a 9.8% rise in road fatalities in 2025, highlighting a concerning trend amidst its long-term achievements in road safety. The information comes from the 20th annual Road Safety PIN Report released by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) on Tuesday.
Road deaths: Contrasting Statistics
Despite the recent increase in fatalities, Cyprus has made significant strides in reducing road deaths over the past few years. The country has achieved the 12th largest reduction in road fatalities across the EU27 since 2019, with a long-term decrease of 13.5% between 2019 and 2025. Over the past decade, the reduction stands at 21.1%, which is notable compared to the EU average of 20.2%.
Current Standing Among EU Members
In 2025, Cyprus ranked 16th among EU member states for road deaths per capita, a slight decline from 14th place in 2024. The per-capita road death index for Cyprus was recorded at 46, higher than the EU27 average of 43. This ranking reflects both the challenges Cyprus faces and its efforts to improve road safety.
Improvements in Serious Injuries
The report also indicated a positive trend in serious injuries, with a reduction of 29.2% recorded between 2015 and 2025. This statistic places Cyprus seventh highest among the 24 EU member states that provided data on serious injuries, signifying effective measures taken to protect road users.
EU-Wide Trends
On a broader scale, the EU27 reported approximately 19,500 road deaths in 2025, alongside more than 100,000 serious injuries. This represents a modest decline of 2.3% compared to 2024. Since 2019, the EU27 has only managed a 14.6% reduction in road deaths, falling short of the 31% reduction target set for 2030. While 24 countries in the PIN programme have recorded decreases in road fatalities, seven members have seen increases.
Potential Lives Saved
The ETSC estimates that over the past decade, more than 31,000 lives could have been saved across the EU27. However, the council notes that had progress aligned with the 2030 target, an additional 42,900 lives could potentially have been preserved, representing a significant opportunity for societal benefits.
Denmark’s Recognition
Denmark received the 2026 Road Safety PIN Award, having achieved a remarkable 31.7% reduction in road deaths from 2019 to 2025. The country ranked third in the EU27 for road deaths per capita in 2025, with an index of 23, showcasing effective road safety measures.
Recommendations for Improvement
The ETSC has outlined specific recommendations for both member states and the European Commission. Governments are urged to adopt a Safe System approach to road safety, enhance enforcement strategies, and ensure adequate public funding for safety initiatives. Additionally, the report advocates for the prompt collection of data on key performance indicators.
On a broader level, the European Commission is encouraged to apply the Safe System approach across all its directorates-general and to support member states in adopting safe speed limits, including 30 km/h on urban roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
