EU environmental tax revenue rises in 2024 as GDP share continues to decline
Environmental tax revenue across the EU reaches 371.9 billion euros in 2024, increasing 6.1% from 350.4 billion euros a year earlier. The latest figures also show the tax category taking a smaller share of both GDP and total government tax and social contribution revenue over the past decade.
Highlights
- EU environmental tax revenue rises by 21.4 billion euros year on year in 2024, led by energy taxes increasing to 287.0 billion euros from 269.3 billion euros.
- Environmental taxes' share of EU GDP falls to 2.1% in 2024 from 2.5% in 2014, and their contribution to government revenue drops to 5.1% from 6.1%.
- Romania posts the strongest environmental tax revenue growth at 21.7% while Sweden records the largest decline at 17.7% among EU countries in 2024.
Revenue growth led by energy taxes
As reported by Eurostat, energy taxes remain the largest source of environmental tax revenue in the bloc, climbing to 287.0 billion euros in 2024 from 269.3 billion euros in 2023.Transport taxes total 67.0 billion euros, up from 64.0 billion euros a year earlier, while taxes on pollution and resources rise to 17.9 billion euros from 17.2 billion euros. Together, these categories lift total environmental tax revenue by 21.4 billion euros year on year.
Even with the annual increase, the broader trend shows a declining weight in public finances. Environmental taxes account for 2.1% of EU GDP in 2024, down from 2.5% in 2014, and their share of total government revenue from taxes and social contributions falls to 5.1% from 6.1% over the same period.
Country trends show uneven momentum
Most EU countries record higher environmental tax revenue in 2024, with increases reported in 22 member states.Romania posts the strongest growth at 21.7%, followed by Lithuania at 13.9% and Poland at 12.7%. Hungary is also among the strongest gainers with a 12.2% increase.
By contrast, five countries register declines from the previous year. Sweden records the sharpest fall at 17.7%, followed by Slovakia at 6.1%, Finland at 3.8%, Greece at 3.7% and Bulgaria at 2.3%.
In our earlier coverage of the UK’s energy policy direction under Miatta Fahnbulleh, we outlined how her appointment signaled continuity on net zero and a firmer line on phasing out fossil fuels, including maintaining the ban on new North Sea exploration licences. We also noted the tension between industry calls to push ahead with projects such as Jackdaw and Rosebank and the government’s emphasis on energy security, lower bills, and climate commitments.
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