Austria’s transport-related CO₂ emissions fell slightly in 2025 for the first time in several years. According to calculations by the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ), the transport sector emitted around 19 million tonnes of CO₂, about 400,000 tonnes less than in 2024. The decline was driven by lower fuel consumption, a growing share of electric vehicles, and increased use of rail for passenger and freight transport.

A crowded train running alongside a crowded highway underscores how Austria is in the midfield – good rail service, but no dominance.

However, the VCÖ warns against overestimating this progress. Transport emissions remain around one third higher than in 1990, making the sector one of the biggest obstacles to Austria’s climate policy. While other sectors have achieved significant reductions, transport remains structurally emission-intensive.

Across Europe, transport remains a problem sector: according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), it is the area where emissions have declined most slowly since 2005. Austria sits in the middle of the EU ranking, with a strong rail system but continued heavy reliance on private cars, especially outside urban areas.

In international comparison, Austria’s absolute emissions are relatively low, but per capita the country still ranks among the more emission-intensive transport nations in the EU. Countries such as Norway and the Netherlands, which have consistently promoted electromobility and regulated car use more strictly, have achieved far greater reductions. Norway in particular benefits from a high share of zero-emission new vehicles.

The VCÖ stresses that the 2025 decline is mainly the result of efficiency gains and transitional measures. Without further action – such as lower speed limits, clear price signals in favor of climate-friendly mobility, and faster expansion of rail, public transport, cycling and walking – Austria risks missing its transport-sector climate targets in the years ahead. (VCÖ/EEA)

By Okay Altinisik | 8-1-2026, 3:07:31