The European Commission published preliminary verified emissions data for sectors covered by the EU ETS on Friday, based on reports submitted by Member States by the 31 March deadline. The release, which typically takes place in early April, was delayed this year due to bank holidays.

The data indicate a 1.3% decrease in emissions from stationary installations, maritime and aviation operators compared to the previous year. Overall, emissions are now estimated to be 53% lower than at the start of the EU ETS, putting the bloc “on track to achieve the 2030 target of a 62% reduction.”

Data published late Friday also show that emissions from the power sector continued to fall in 2025, declining by a modest 0.4%, even as EU net electricity generation rose by 1.7%. In energy-intensive industries, emissions decreased by 2.5%, largely driven by reductions in the cement sector and in iron and steel production, partly reflecting lower activity in the construction sector. Aviation emissions covered by the EU ETS “slightly increased compared to 2024 due to traffic increases.”

According to the European Commission, emissions are “continuing the steady downward trend.” However, the pace of reductions has slowed. While emissions fell by around 5% in 2024 compared to the previous year, the decline was much steeper in 2023, when emissions dropped by 15.5%, driven largely by significant decarbonisation progress in the power sector.