A Steady Decline Signals Safer Roads Across Europe

Road deaths in the European Union fell by 3% in 2025 compared to 2024, with around 580 fewer lives lost, marking continued progress toward safer transport systems.

“The steady reduction in road deaths across the EU shows that our joint efforts are making a difference,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

Preliminary data show approximately 19,400 fatalities across the EU, despite rising vehicle numbers and longer travel distances — highlighting meaningful improvements in road safety. Some countries recorded particularly strong progress, including Estonia, with a 38% drop, and Greece, with a 22% reduction in deaths. Overall, road fatalities have declined by about 15% compared to 2019 levels, though further progress is needed to meet the EU’s target of halving deaths by 2030. Rural roads remain the most dangerous, accounting for 53% of fatalities, while vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists make up 70% of deaths in urban areas. Experts say the continued downward trend reflects coordinated efforts across governments, infrastructure improvements, and stricter safety measures—pointing toward a long-term vision of zero road deaths by 2050.