Cyprus ranked third among EU member states for the reduction of greenhouse emissions during the third quarter of 2025. The island achieved an estimated reduction of 5.2 per cent compared to the previous quarter, as reported by Eurostat on Friday.
At the EU level, the seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions in the third quarter were estimated at 828 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq), reflecting a 1.1 per cent increase from 819 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2025. This rise in emissions occurred alongside a modest increase in the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP), which grew by 0.4 per cent during the same period.
Greenhouse emissions: Sector Performance and Emission Trends
The data highlights that while Cyprus has made strides in reducing emissions, other sectors across the EU have seen notable increases. Among the economic sectors, households experienced the largest increase in greenhouse gas emissions at 3.6 per cent, followed by manufacturing at 1.4 per cent. In contrast, the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector was the only one to record a decrease in emissions, down by 0.8 per cent.
When looking at the year-on-year changes, seasonally adjusted emissions in the third quarter of 2025 remained unchanged compared to the same period in 2024. Conversely, the EU’s seasonally and calendar adjusted GDP saw an increase of 1.6 per cent.
Comparative Emission Reductions Across the EU
In total, 17 EU countries reported increases in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the second quarter of 2025, while ten countries, including Cyprus, achieved reductions. Estonia led the charge with a substantial decrease of 17.4 per cent, followed by Slovenia at 5.7 per cent, and Cyprus with its 5.2 per cent reduction.
Interestingly, out of the ten countries that reduced emissions, only Lithuania experienced a decline in GDP, while the others, including Cyprus, managed to decrease emissions alongside maintaining or growing their economic output.
Implications for Future Emission Strategies
The figures from Eurostat underscore not only Cyprus’s commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions but also the complexities faced by various sectors in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. As the EU continues to focus on climate goals, the performance of countries like Cyprus could serve as a benchmark for others aiming to achieve similar reductions while fostering economic stability.
