Eurostat data show employment in the European Union’s environmental economy reached 5.8 million full-time equivalents in 2023, up from 3.6 million in 2014. The increase reflects continued growth in sectors linked to environmental protection, resource management, and renewable energy.
Steady Expansion In Green Employment
Employment increased by 2.2 million between 2014 and 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. In 2023, employment rose by 4.2% from 5.6 million recorded in 2022, indicating continued expansion across the sector.
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Rising Output And Economic Impact
Output in the EU environmental economy reached €1.33 billion in 2023, up 4.3% from 2022 and nearly double the €0.68 billion recorded in 2014. The sector recorded an average annual growth rate of 7.9%, supported by investment in areas such as waste management, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in construction.
Driving Sustainable Solutions
Growth in the environmental economy is driven by activities focused on environmental protection and resource management. These include waste and wastewater management, forest management, and renewable energy production. The sector continues to expand across both environmental and economic dimensions, supporting job creation while contributing to EU sustainability targets.
Investment in these areas is increasing as governments and businesses focus on long-term environmental objectives. The data indicate that environmental services and green technologies are becoming a larger component of economic activity. For policymakers and investors, the expansion of the sector highlights the role of sustainability-related investment in supporting employment and economic growth.
