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European Commission - Daily News Daily News 24 / 03 / 2026 Brussels, 24 March 2026 EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025 Today, the European Commission has released preliminary figures on road fatalities for 2025 , reporting around 19,400 deaths. This represents a 3% decrease from 2024 , meaning that 580 fewer people died on European roads. Given the increase in vehicles on EU roads and kilometres driven, this is a signi...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 24 / 03 / 2026 Brussels, 24 March 2026 EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025 Today, the European Commission has released preliminary figures on road fatalities for 2025 , reporting around 19,400 deaths. This represents a 3% decrease from 2024 , meaning that 580 fewer people died on European roads. Given the increase in vehicles on EU roads and kilometres driven, this is a significant achievement. However, the preliminary data also highlights the need for sustained efforts at all levels as most Member States are not yet on track to meet the EU's goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 . Road safety progress varies widely by country. Between 2024 and 2025, there were remarkable decreases in Estonia (-38%) and Greece (-22%). Based on this preliminary and sometimes partial data, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Poland and Romania are currently on track to meet the 50% reduction target in road deaths by 2030. Despite this progress, Romania continues to have one of the highest fatality rates in the EU alongside Bulgaria and Croatia. Sweden and Denmark had the safest roads in 2025 as in previous years, with low fatality rates of 20 and 23 deaths per million inhabitants, respectively. For every fatality, an estimated five people are seriously injured. This means that around 100,000 people across the EU suffer serious injuries in road crashes each year. Road safety is a shared responsibility between the EU and Member States. While national and local authorities carry out most of the day-to-day work, the EU contributes with safety rules for infrastructure and vehicles and for driving testing and licencing, coordinates cross-border cooperation between authorities and efforts to exchange best practices, and funds road safety projects. Recent EU-level initiatives include updated requirements for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement of road traffic rules and a proposal to enhance the roadworthiness of vehicles. Today's figures are based on preliminary data for 2025. The final results will be published by the Commission in the autumn. More information in the press release online. (For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola - Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86) EU crisis reserve helps in Cyprus' foot and mouth disease response As Cyprus continues to fight the consequences of February's foot and mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic stockpile of emergency supplies, rescEU , to support the ongoing response. The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism . It comprises disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks, shoe covers, and other items essential for curbing the further spread of the virus. Cyprus has been collaborating closely with the Commission from the onset of the outbreak. The Commission has already mobilised assistance by providing over one million vaccine doses for the entire island from the EU vaccine bank and three deployments of an EU Veterinary Emergency Team, who provided tailor-made recommendations and expertise on the ground. Furthermore, Commissioner Várhelyi also visited Cyprus earlier this month to highlight the Commission's full solidarity with Cyprus in facing this outbreak. Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi , said: “ Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious animal diseases known. Managing it requires rapid, decisive action based on veterinary science and long-standing international protocols. These measures are necessary to protect healthy livestock, contain the outbreak and allow production to restart safely. We are fully mobilised to support Cyprus. We have already provided veterinary expertise, laboratory support and more than a million vaccine doses from the EU vaccine bank, and the EU will also contribute to financial compensation for affected farmers and operators. ” Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said: “ Europe does not wait for crises to escalate. With rescEU, we are acting early and in full solidarity with Cyprus. We are delivering concrete support on the ground, helping contain the outbreak and protect both livelihoods and public health. This is what a Preparedness Union means in practice: Member States can count on Europe when it matters most. ” The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre stands ready to mobilise further assistance if requested. (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings Note that these items can be subject to changes. Upcoming events of the European Commission Eurostat press releases Calendar items of the President and Commissioners Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners MEX/26/701
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