Employment in the EU environmental economy rose to 5.8 million full-time equivalents in 2023, marking sustained expansion across green sectors, according to Eurostat.

The statistical office reported this week that employment increased from 3.6 million in 2014 to 5.8 million in 2023, representing a total rise of 2.2 million jobs over the period.

This translates into an average annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent, highlighting the long-term momentum of the environmental economy.

Compared with 2022, employment grew by 4.2 per cent in 2023, rising from 5.6 million full-time equivalents.

The figures underline the continued expansion of environmental protection and resource management activities, which form the backbone of the sector.

Specifically, employment in this area includes environmental protection activities such as waste and wastewater management, as well as resource management activities including energy efficiency in construction, renewable energy production and forest management.

In terms of economic output, the EU environmental economy generated €1.33 billion in 2023, reflecting continued growth in production value.

This represents a 4.3 per cent increase compared with 2022, confirming the sector’s steady upward trajectory.

Since 2014, the data shows that output has grown consistently, supported by rising demand for sustainable solutions and green investment.

Over this period, the sector recorded an average annual increase of 7.9 per cent in output, outpacing employment growth.

Compared with 2014, the output of the EU environmental economy has almost doubled, rising from €0.68 billion.