European Union emission inventory report 1990–2016 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP).
Date: 2018-07-04
Institutions: European Environment Agency
Subjects: EU environmental policy, atmospheric pollutant, environmental monitoring, health risk, international cooperation, report

EEA Report  No 6/2018

European Union emission inventory  
report 1990-2016 
under the UNECE Convention on Long-range  
Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

ISSN 1977-8449

EEA Report  No 6/2018

European Union emission inventory  
report 1990-2016 
under the UNECE Convention on Long-range  
Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

Cover design: EEA
Cover photo: © Carbon Visuals 
Layout: EEA/Rosendahls

Legal notice
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institutions of the European Union. Neither the European Environment Agency nor any person or company acting on 
behalf of the Agency is responsible for the use that may be made of the information contained in this report. 

Copyright notice
© European Environment Agency, 2018
Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2018

ISBN 978-92-9213-950-6
ISSN 1977-8449
doi:10.2800/ 571876

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Contents

Contents

Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 3

Units, abbreviations and acronyms ......................................................................................... 5

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. 11

Executive summary .................................................................................................................. 12

1 

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 22

1.1  Background ............................................................................................................................ 23

1.2 

Institutional arrangements ..................................................................................................24

1.3 

Inventory preparation process ............................................................................................25

1.4  Methods and data sources ..................................................................................................26

1.5  Key category analyses ...........................................................................................................31

1.6  Quality assurance, quality control and verification methods ..........................................33

1.7  General uncertainty evaluation ...........................................................................................35

1.8  Completeness and underestimations ................................................................................35

2  Adjustments under the Gothenburg Protocol ................................................................. 39

3  Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions .................................................... 41

3.1   Total EU emission trends and progress towards the Gothenburg

Protocol 2010 emission ceilings...........................................................................................41

3.2   Progress of non-EU countries in meeting 2010 emission ceilings under the

Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE LRTAP Convention....................................................47

3.3  Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission trends and key categories ..............................................48

3.5  Sulphur oxide (SOx) emission trends and key categories .................................................53

3.6  Ammonia (NH3) emission trends and key categories .......................................................55

3.7  Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emission trends and key categories ...............................58

3.8  Particulate matter (PM10) emission trends and key categories .......................................61

3.9  Total suspended particulate (TSP) emission trends ..........................................................63

3.10 Black carbon (BC) emission trends......................................................................................63

3.11 Carbon monoxide (CO) emission trends and key categories ..........................................66

3.12 Lead (Pb) emission trends and key categories ..................................................................68

3.13 Cadmium (Cd) emission trends and key categories..........................................................71

3.14 Mercury (Hg) emission trends and key categories ............................................................73

3.15 Arsenic (As) emission trends ................................................................................................75

3

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Contents

3.16 Chromium (Cr) emission trends ..........................................................................................76

3.17 Copper (Cu) emission trends ...............................................................................................77

3.18 Nickel (Ni) emission trends ..................................................................................................78

3.19 Selenium (Se) emission trends ............................................................................................79

3.20 Zinc (Zn) emission trends .....................................................................................................81

3.21 Dioxin and furan (PCDD/Fs) emission trends and key categories ...................................82

3.22 Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission trends and key categories 

85

3.23 Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) emission trends and key categories ...........................................88

3.24 Benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F) emission trends ..................................................................90

3.25 Benzo(k)fluoranthene (B(k)F) emission trends ..................................................................91

3.26 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP) emission trends .....................................................................91

3.27 Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) emission trends and key categories .....................................94

3.28 Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) emission trends and key categories .............................97

4  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants ........................................... 100

4.2 

 Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'energy use in industry' .............................103

4.3    Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'industrial processes and product use'..........105

4.4    Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'commercial, institutional and households' 109

4.5  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'road transport' ...........................................112

4.6  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'non-road transport' ...................................116

4.7  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'agriculture' ..................................................117

4.8  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'waste' ..........................................................119

5  Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements .................................... 122

5.1  Recalculations ......................................................................................................................122

5.2  Member States' emission changes due to review improvements ................................128

5.3  Planned improvements at EU level ...................................................................................128

5.4 

Implemented improvements .............................................................................................129

References ............................................................................................................................... 135

Appendix 1   Notation keys .................................................................................................... 138

Appendix 2   LRTAP Convention emission-reporting programme for 2018......................139

Appendix 3    Status of reporting and timeliness ................................................................. 141

Appendix 4    Conversion chart for aggregated sector groups ........................................... 145

4

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

Units, abbreviations and acronyms

As 

B(a)P 

B(b)F 

BC 

Arsenic

Benzo(a)pyrene

Benzo(b)fluoranthene

Black carbon

B(k)F 

Benzo(k)fluoranthene

Cd 

CDR 

CEIP 

CH4 

Cadmium

Central Data Repository

Centre on Emission Inventories and Projections

Methane

LRTAP  

Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution; (UNECE) Convention on LRTAP

CO 

CO2 

Carbon monoxide

Carbon dioxide

COPERT 

COmputer Programme to calculate Emissions from Road Transport

Cr 

Cu 

DG 

EC 

Chromium

Copper

Directorate-General

European Commission

EEA 

European Environment Agency

EEA-5 

Non-EU EEA member countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey)

Eionet 

European Environment Information and Observation Network

EMEP 

 European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (cooperative programme for monitoring and 
evaluation of the long-range transmissions of air pollutants in Europe)

EPER 

European Pollutant Emission Register

E-PRTR 

European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register

ERT 

Expert review team

5

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

ETC/ACM 

European Topic Centre on Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation (of the EEA)

ETS 

EU 

FGD 

Gg	

Emissions Trading Scheme

European Union

Flue gas desulphurisation

1 gigagram = 109 g = 1 kilotonne	(kt)

GHG 

Greenhouse gas

GNFR 

Gridding nomenclature for reporting/UNECE nomenclature for reporting of air pollutants

HCB 

HCE 

HFC 

Hg 

HM 

IIR 

IP 

Hexachlorobenzene

Hexachloroethane

Hydrofluorocarbon

Mercury

Heavy metal

Informative inventory report

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene

I-Teq 

International toxic equivalent

KCA 

kg	

LPS 

Key category analysis

1 kilogram = 103 g	(gram)

Large point source

LRTAP 

Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution

LTO 

Mg	

MMR 

MSW 

N2O 

n/a 

Landing/take-off

1 megagram = 106 g = 1 tonne	(t)

Monitoring Mechanism Regulation

Municipal solid waste

Nitrous oxide

Not available

NEC Directive  EU National Emission Ceilings Directive ((EU) 2016/2284)

NFR 

Nomenclature for reporting/UNECE nomenclature for reporting of air pollutants

NFR14 

Current format for reporting of air pollutants (Nomenclature for reporting)

NH3 

Ammonia

6

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

Ni 

Nickel

NMVOC 

Non-methane volatile organic compound

NO2 

NOx 

O3 

PAH 

Pb 

PCB 

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen oxides

Ozone

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Lead

Polychlorinated biphenyl

PCDD/F 

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/dibenzofuran

PFC 

PM 

PM2.5	

PM10	

POP 

QA 

QC 

SCR 

Se 

Perfluorocarbon

Particulate matter

Fine	particulate	matter	with	a	diameter	of	2.5 µm	or	less

Particulate	matter	with	a	diameter	of	10 µm	or	less

Persistent organic pollutant

Quality assurance

Quality control

Selective catalytic reduction

Selenium

SNCR 

Selective non-catalytic reduction

SO2 

SOx 

t	

Sulphur dioxide

Sulphur oxides

1 tonne	(metric) = 1 megagram	(Mg) = 106 g

TERT 

Technical Expert Review Team

TFEIP 

Task Force on Emission Inventories and Projections

TSP 

Total suspended particulate

UNECE 

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

UNFCCC 

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

VOC 

WM 

Volatile organic compound

With measures (projections)

7

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

WaM 

With additional measures (projections)

Zn 

Zinc

Key category source sector abbreviations

1A1a 

1A1b 

1A2a 

1A2b 

1A2c 

1A2f 

Public electricity and heat production

Petroleum refining

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Iron and steel

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Non-ferrous metals

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Chemicals

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Non-metallic minerals

1A2gvii 

Mobile combustion in manufacturing industries and construction

1A2gviii 

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Other

1A3bi 

Road transport: Passenger cars

1A3bii 

Road transport: Light duty vehicles

1A3biii 

Road transport: Heavy duty vehicles and buses

1A3biv 

Road transport: Mopeds and motorcycles

1A3bv 

Road transport: Gasoline evaporation

1A3bvi 

Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear

1A3bvii 

Road transport: Automobile road abrasion

1A3c 

Railways 

1A3dii 

National navigation (shipping)

1A4ai 

Commercial/institutional: Stationary

1A4bi 

Residential: Stationary

1A4bii 

Residential: Household and gardening (mobile)

1A4ci 

Agriculture/forestry/fishing: Stationary

1A4cii 

Agriculture/forestry/fishing: Off-road vehicles and other machinery

1B2ai 

Fugitive emissions oil: Exploration, production, transport

1B2aiv 

Fugitive emissions oil: Refining/storage

1B2av 

Distribution of oil products

2A5a 

Quarrying and mining of minerals other than coal

8

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

2A5b 

Construction and demolition

2B10a 

Chemical industry: Other

2C1 

2C3 

2C7a 

2D3a 

2D3b 

2D3d 

2D3e 

2D3g 

2D3h 

2D3i 

2G 

2H2 

2K 

2L 

3B1a 

3B1b 

3B3 

Iron and steel production

Aluminium production

Copper production

Domestic solvent use including fungicides

Road paving with asphalt

Coating applications

Degreasing 

Chemical products

Printing 

Other solvent use

Other product use

Food and beverages industry

Consumption of POPs and heavy metals (e.g. electrical and scientific equipment)

Other production, consumption, storage, transportation or handling of bulk products

Manure management — Dairy cattle

Manure management — Non-dairy cattle

Manure management — Swine

3B4gi 

Manure management — Laying hens

3B4gii 

Manure management — Broilers

3Da1 

Inorganic N-fertilisers (includes also urea application)

3Da2a 

Animal manure applied to soils

3Da3 

Urine and dung deposited by grazing animals

3Dc 

Farm-level agricultural operations including storage, handling and transport of agricultural products

5C1biii 

Clinical waste incineration

5C1bv 

Cremation 

5C2 

5E 

Open burning of waste

Other waste

9

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Units, abbreviations and acronyms

Country codes

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Germany

Denmark

Estonia

Spain

Finland

France

United Kingdom

Greece

Croatia

Hungary

Ireland 

Italy

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Latvia

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Sweden

Slovenia

Slovakia

AT 

BE 

BG 

CY 

CZ 

DE 

DK 

EE 

ES 

FI 

FR 

GB 

GR 

HR 

HU 

IE 

IT 

LT 

LU 

LV 

MT 

NL 

PL 

PT 

RO 

SE 

SI 

SK 

10

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

This report was prepared by the European 
Environment Agency	(EEA)	and	its	European	Topic	
Centre on Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation 
(ETC/ACM, partner Umweltbundesamt, Austria). 
The lead author of the report was Melanie Tista. 
Other	authors	(in alphabetical	order)	were	Michael	
Gager, Simone Haider, Isabella Pucher and 
Bernhard Ullrich. The EEA project manager was 
Anke Lükewille. The desk officer at the European 
Commission's Directorate-General for the 

Environment (DG Environment) were Viviane André, 
Scott Brockett and Zlatko Kregar. The authors gratefully 
acknowledge the technical support received from 
Robert Wankmüller (ETC/ACM).

The EEA acknowledges comments received on the draft 
report from the Eionet national reference centres of 
EEA member countries and the European Commission 
(DG Environment).

Title of report

Contact names

Organisation

Address of the EEA

Annual European Union (EU) 
LRTAP Convention emission inventory report 1990-2016

Anke Lükewille (EEA)

Melanie Tista (ETC/ACM)

Viviane André and Zlatko Kregar (DG Environment)

EEA 
European Commission, DG Environment

Kongens Nytorv 6 
1050 Copenhagen K 
DENMARK

Email

Anke.Luekewille@eea.europa.eu

Address of the European Commission

European Commission

Email

DG Environment, 1049 Brussels, Belgium

Viviane.ANDRE@ec.europa.eu

Zlatko.KREGAR@ec.europa.eu

11

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Executive summary

Executive summary

This document is the annual European Union 
(EU) emission inventory report under the United 
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution 
(LRTAP Convention)	(UNECE,	1979).	The	report	and	its	
accompanying data constitute the official submission 
by the European Commission on behalf of the EU 
as a Party to the Executive Secretary of UNECE. The 
European Environment Agency (EEA) compiled the 
report in cooperation with the EU Member States and 
the European Commission.

Box ES.1  The Gothenburg Protocol

The Gothenburg Protocol to the Long-range 
Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Convention sets 
emission ceilings. Parties to the convention must reduce 
their emissions to these levels. These ceilings, for 2010 
and after, are for the pollutants nitrogen oxides (NOx), 
non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), 
sulphur oxides (SOx) and ammonia (NH3). In addition 
to the ceilings for individual countries, the protocol 
also specifies ceilings for the EU, which is a Party to the 
protocol in its own right (UNECE, 1999). The protocol was 
amended in 2012. The ceilings set for 2010 and years 
thereafter are still in place, but the amended protocol 
also specifies new emission reduction commitments in 
terms of percentage reductions by 2020, relative to base 
year 2005. Parties are also encouraged to report primary 
particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) emissions, 
in line with the revised emission-reporting guidelines 
(UNECE,	2014a) (1). The EU ratified the amended protocol 
in 2017.

The LRTAP Convention obliges and invites Parties to 
report emission data for numerous air pollutants:

•  main pollutants: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), 

non-methane volatile organic compounds 
(NMVOCs), sulphur oxides (SOx), ammonia (NH3) 
and carbon monoxide (CO);

•  Particulate matter (PM) emitted directly into the air 

(primary PM):

—	 PM	with	a	diameter	greater	than	2.5 microns	
(PM2.5, also called fine particulate matter);

—  PM with a diameter greater than 

10 microns	(PM10);

—  BC, the most strongly light-absorbing component 

of PM;

total suspended particulates (TSPs);

•  priority heavy metals (HMs): lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) 

and mercury (Hg);

•  additional HMs: arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), 

copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn);

•  persistent organic pollutants (POPs): polychlorinated 
dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic 
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorobenzene 
(HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);

•  additional reporting of the individual PAHs 

benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), benzo(b)fluoranthene 
(B(b)F), benzo(k)fluoranthene (B(k)F) and 
indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP), and of their sum as the 
total of all four.

(1)	 The	EEA	publishes	its	annual	update	of	the	National	Emission	Ceilings	Directive	(NEC	Directive)	reporting	(EEA,	forthcoming)	in	June 2018.	The	

briefing analyses the 2016 emission data for EU Member States reported under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions 
of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC, known as the new EU National Emission 
Ceilings (NEC) Directive (EU, 2016). For the EU Member States, the new NEC Directive retains the emission ceilings set for 2010 and years 
thereafter until 2019, and establishes new national emission reduction commitments for NOx, NMVOCs, SO2, NH3 and PM2.5 for 2020-2029 
and from 2030 onwards.

12

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Executive summary

Box ES.2  Status of reporting by EU Member States

In 2018, Member States were requested to report emission inventory data and an informative inventory report (IIR). All 
Member States, except Greece, provided air emission inventories. For the Greek data set and for other countries where 
data were missing for certain years or pollutants, a gap-filling procedure was applied to obtain as complete as possible a 
European	inventory.	By	6	May 2018,	27	Member	States	had	reported	activity	data,	but	only	25	Member	States	had	reported	
activity data for the complete time series (1990-2016). All  Member States that provided submissions also provided IIRs, and 
three Member States provided projection data. The reporting of gridded data, large point sources and projections was not 
requested in 2018. However, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Italy and Romania reported gridded data and Finland, Luxembourg 
(only with additional measures (WaM) projections) and the United Kingdom provided projections. Romania and Finland 
provided data on large point sources, and Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Italy and Romania provided gridded data. Detailed 
information	on	Member	States'	submissions	is	given	in	Appendix 3.

In 2012, the Executive Body of the LRTAP Convention decided that adjustments to emission reduction commitments, or to 
inventories for the purposes of comparing total national emissions with them, may be applied in some circumstances, if such 
a circumstance contributes to a Party being unable to meet one of its reduction commitments (UNECE, 2012b). Under the 
Gothenburg Protocol, the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) Steering Body Board accepted inventory 
adjustment applications for emissions from seven countries in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Circumstances that allow adjustments to emission inventories are defined as follows:

• 

• 

• 

 There are additional categories of emission sources that were not accounted for when the emission reduction 
commitments were set.

 Emission factors used to determine emission levels for particular source categories for the year in which emission 
reduction commitments are to be attained are significantly different from the emission factors applied to these 
categories at the time the emission reduction commitments were set.

 The methods for determining emissions from specific source categories have changed significantly between when 
emission reduction commitments were set and the year they are to be attained.

These pollutants harm human health and the 
environment. Certain species also contribute to the 
formation of ground-level ozone (O3) and secondary PM 
in the atmosphere. Some pollutants have an indirect 
and direct effect on the sunlight absorbed by the Earth 
and reflected back to space (radiative forcing) and 
hence on the climate (EEA, 2014, 2015, 2017a).

This report describes:

• 

the institutional arrangements and preparation 
processes behind the EU's emission inventory, 
methods and data sources, key category analyses, 
information on quality assurance and control, 
general uncertainty evaluation, and information on 
completeness	and	underestimations	(Chapter 1);

• 

information on approved adjustments and 
adjustment applications under the Gothenburg 
Protocol	(Chapter 2);

•  emission trends for the European Union (EU)  as a 

whole and for individual Member States, and the 
contribution of key categories to total emissions 
(Chapter 3);

•  sectoral analyses and emission trends for key 

pollutants	(Chapter 4);

• 

information on recalculations, as well as planned 
and	implemented	improvements	(Chapter 5).

Emission data presented in this report are in the 
accompanying annexes and are also available for direct 
download through the EEA's data service (EEA, 2018a). 
The following sections summarise the main findings.

13

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Executive summary

EU emission trends

Figures ES.1-ES.3	present	the	trends	in	emission	of	
air	pollutants	between	1990	and	2016 (2). They are 
aggregated across the EU.

Emission trends of main air pollutants between 
1990 and 2016

With reference to the main air pollutants, SOx was the 
pollutant type with the greatest reduction in emissions 
across the EU. SOx	emissions	in	2016	were	91 %	less	
than	in	1990	(Figure ES.1).	This	reduction	is	the	result	
of a	combination	of	measures:

• 

fuel switching in energy-related sectors, away from 
solid and liquid fuels with high sulphur content to 
low-sulphur fuels such as natural gas;

•  applying flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) techniques 

in industrial facilities;

•  EU directives relating to the sulphur content of 

certain liquid fuels.

Emissions of the other main air pollutants have 
dropped considerably since 1990, including the three 
air pollutants primarily responsible for the formation 

Figure ES.1 

EU emission trends for the main air 
pollutants

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

CO

of ground-level O3:	CO	(69 %	reduction),	NMVOCs	
(62 % reduction)	and	NOx	(58 %	reduction).	For	the	
main pollutants, emissions have been decreasing more 
slowly over the past decade. However, emissions of 
NH3 have fallen less than emissions of the other main 
pollutants	(23 %)	since	1990,	and	since	2014	a	positive	
NH3 emission trend has been noticed.

Box ES.3  Development of main pollutant emissions between 2015 and 2016

Emissions of NOx and SOx	dropped	by	3.7 %	and	15.1 %,	respectively,	between	2015	and	2016.	CO	emissions	decreased	
by 0.6 %.	Emissions	of	NMVOCs	decreased	by	1.7 %,	and	NH3	emissions	increased	by	0.4 %.

The drop in NOx emissions is mainly due to reductions reported by the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany and Italy 
(in order of largest absolute emission reduction). The 'energy production and distribution' sector recorded the largest 
reductions of NOx (in absolute terms) from 2015 to 2016.

NMVOC emissions decreased in 18 Member States between 2015 and 2016. Greece (gap-filled data), the United Kingdom, 
Italy and the Netherlands (in order of largest absolute emission reduction) were responsible for the highest decreases. The 
main emitter of NMVOCs is the 'industrial processes and product use' sectors.

From 2015 to 2016, the largest reductions in SOx emissions in absolute terms were in Poland, the United Kingdom, Romania 
and Spain (in order of largest absolute emission reduction). The sector 'energy production and distribution' contributed most 
to the reduction of SOx emissions.

CO	emissions	decreased,	mainly	due	to	reductions	reported	by	the	United	Kingdom,	Italy	and	Greece	(gap-filled	data)	(in order	
of largest absolute emission reduction). The sector 'road transport' contributed most to the decrease in CO emissions.

NH3 emissions increased in 15 Member States. Italy, the United Kingdom and Ireland reported the highest increases 
(in order of	largest	absolute	emission	increase).

(2)	 By	15 February	each	year,	Member	States	must	report	emission	data	for	up	to	and	including	the	last	calendar	year	but	one.	Thus,	by	

15 February 2018,	Member	States	were	obliged	to	report	for	the	years	before	2017.	Typically,	it	takes	countries	about	12	to	15	months	to	
compile and report emission inventory data (for both air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs)). This delay is mainly because of the time 
needed for official national and/or trade statistics to become available (typically up to 12 months after the end of the calendar year), together 
with the time needed for subsequent data processing, calculations, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks.

14

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
The 'road transport' sector has reduced emissions 
since 1990 for CO and NMVOCs, and since 1992 the 
NOx emissions have also decreased continuously. 
It	has achieved	this	primarily	through	legislative	
measures requiring the abatement of vehicle exhaust 
emissions. NOx emissions decreased considerably in 
the electricity/energy generation sectors as a result of 
certain technical measures, mainly:

• 

• 

introduction of combustion modification 
technologies (e.g. use of low-NOx burners);

implementation of flue gas abatement techniques 
(e.g. NOx scrubbers, and selective catalytic reduction 
(SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) 
techniques);

• 

fuel switching from coal to gas.

Emission trends of particulate matter between 2000 
and 2016

The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to 
report emissions of PM from the year 2000 onwards. 
Hence, emission trends are shown for 2000 and the 
subsequent years only. Aggregated emissions of TSPs 

Figure ES.2 

EU emission trends for PM

Index (2000 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2000

2005

2010

2015

PM2.5

PM10

TSPs

BC

Executive summary

have	fallen	by	22 %	across	the	EU	since	2000	(and	by	
54 %	since	1990)	(Figure ES.2).	Emissions	of	primary	
PM10, PM2.5	and	BC	have	fallen	by	26 %,	28 %	and	41 %,	
respectively (since 2000).

Total PM emissions dropped mainly thanks to the 
introduction or improvement of abatement measures 
across the 'energy', 'road transport' and 'industry' 
sectors, coupled with other developments in industrial 
sectors, such as switching from fuels containing 
high amounts of sulphur to those with low amounts. 
SOx, NOx and NH3 play an important role in the 
formation of secondary PM. Thus, if emissions of these 
pollutants decrease, this also influences PM formation 
(EEA, 2018b).

Emission trends of heavy metals and persistent organic 
pollutants between 1990 and 2016

Emissions of the main HMs (Pb, Cd, Hg), dioxins and 
furans, total PAHs, HCB and PCBs have also dropped 
substantially	since	1990,	by	at	least	65 %	(Figure ES.3).

Much progress has been made since the early 
1990s in reducing point-source emissions of these 
substances, particularly from industrial facilities. 
This has been achieved partially through improved 
abatement techniques for waste water treatment, 
and for incinerators in the metal refining and smelting 
industries. In some countries, the emissions reduction 
follows the closure of older industrial facilities due 
to economic restructuring. Total emissions fell faster 
between 1990 and 2000 than in the following years.

Cu emissions have increased over the years and were 
8 %	higher	in	2016	than	in	1990.	Emissions	of	other	
HMs	decreased	between	1990	and	2016:	As	by	67 %,	
Cr	by	72 %,	Ni	by	72 %,	Se	by	34 %	and	Zn	by	36 %.

Total	PAHs	decreased	by	83 %	from	1990	to	2016 (3). 
For	individual	PAHs,	the	reductions	were	19 %	for	B(a)P,	
76 %	for	B(b)F,	78 %	for	B(k)	and	65 %	for	IP		from	1990	
to	2016.	Dioxins	and	furans	have	decreased	by	67 %	
since 1990. The reductions of HCB and PCB emissions 
were	95 %	and	74%,	respectively.	There	have	been	clear	
decreases over the last 25 years, but emissions of POPs 
have	remained	broadly	stable	since	2000	(Figure ES.3).

(3) 

It is difficult to compare reductions of total PAHs and reductions of the other PAHs. The reporting completeness for the EU (sum of 
reporting/gap-filling of the Member States) differs strongly between total PAHs and the other PAHs.

15

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Executive summary

Figure ES.3 

EU emission trends for HMs and POPs

Index (1990 = 100)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
1990

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Ni

Cr

Se

Cu

Zn

Index (1990 = 100)

Index (1990 = 100)

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

PCDD/Fs

HCB

PCBs

Total PAHs

B(k)F

B(a)P

IP

B(b)F

Notes: 

The drop in HCB emissions between 1998 and 1999 is due to a considerable reduction reported by the United Kingdom. The peak in 
PCDD/Fs emissions in 2013 is caused by data reported by Malta.

The trend of B(a)P emissions follows the trend in the data reported by Portugal.

For certain pollutants, not all Member States reported data.

Box ES.4  Effects of recalculated data for previously reported 2015 emissions

In 2018, all Member States that provided submissions, reported recalculations for one or more years, and also changes in 
gap filling resulted in recalculations. This caused changes of emission inventories for all pollutants for 2015.

In	their	IIRs	(see	Appendix 5),	Member	States	gave	an	account	of	their	reasons	for	recalculating	parts	of	time	series	or	
whole time series. Explanations included methodological improvements, revision of emission factors or newly implemented 
emission factors, reallocations, availability of new data, revision of activity data and correction of errors. They did not always 
provide information on the rationale behind recalculations.

16

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
Executive summary

EU key categories and main emission 
sources

EU key categories are the individual sources that 
contributed the most, overall, to emissions of pollutants 
in	2016.	They	were	determined	by	a	level	assessment (4) 
for NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO, PM2.5, PM10, Cd, Pb, Hg, 
PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, B(a)P, HCB and PCBs.

A total of 55 different emission inventory source 
categories were identified as being key categories for 
at least one pollutant. A number of emission categories 
were identified as being key categories for more than 
one	of	the	14	pollutants	assessed.	Table ES.1	lists	the	
most relevant key categories.

Figure ES.4	shows	the	share	of	EU	emissions	by	sector	
group. As observed in previous years, each main air 
pollutant has one major source category: for NOx, 
this is 'road transport'; for SOx, 'energy production 
and distribution'; for NH3, 'agriculture'; for NMVOCs, 
'industrial processes and product use'; and for CO, as 
well as PM, 'commercial, institutional and households'.

Emissions of NOx from the 'road transport' sector 
decreased	by	61 %	between	1990	and	2016.	The	road	

transport sector is, nevertheless, a major source of 
the ground-level O3 precursors NOx, CO and NMVOCs 
in	the	EU;	in	2016	it	contributed	39 %,	20 %	and	9 %,	
respectively, to total emissions of these pollutants 
in the EU. It is also a major source of primary PM2.5, 
PM10 and Pb emissions. Passenger cars, heavy-duty 
vehicles and buses are the principal contributors to 
NOx emissions from this sector; in 2016, passenger cars 
alone	contributed	around	70 %	of	CO	emissions	from	
the 'road transport' sector.

The 'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
is the most important source of PM2.5, CO and PM10. 
Energy- and process-related emissions from industry 
contribute considerably to the overall emissions of a 
number of the HMs and POPs.

Adjustments to emission inventories 
under the Gothenburg Protocol

Table ES.2	lists	inventory	adjustment	applications	that	
the EMEP Steering Body accepted in 2014, 2015, 2016 
and 2017.

Table ES.1  Most relevant key categories for air pollutant emissions

Name of key category

Number of occurrences as key category

Residential: Stationary (combustion) (NFR 1A4bi)

14 (NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, CO, PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/Fs, B(a)P, 
total PAHs, HCB, PCBs)

Public electricity and heat production (NFR 1A1a)

10 (NOx, SOx, PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/Fs, HCB, PCBs)

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries 
and construction: Non-metallic minerals (NFR 1A2f)

8 (NOx, SOx, CO, PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg)

Iron and steel production (NFR 2C1)

8 (CO, PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/Fs, PCBs)

Stationary combustion in manufacturing 
industries and construction: Iron and steel (NFR 1A2a)

6 (SOx, CO, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/Fs)

Road transport: Passenger cars (NFR 1A3bi)

6 (NOx, NMVOCs, CO, PM2.5, PM10, Pb)

Commercial/institutional: Stationary (NFR 1A4ai)

6 (NOx, SOx, PM2.5, Pb, Cd, Hg)

(4)  A key category level assessment identifies those source categories that have a significant influence on a country's total inventory in terms of 
their	absolute	level	of	emissions.	In	this	report,	key	categories	are	those	that	are	collectively	responsible	for	80 %	of	the	total	emissions	of	a	
given pollutant (EMEP/EEA, 2016).

17

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Executive summary

Figure ES.4 

Share of EU emissions of the main pollutants, by sector group in 2016

%

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

NOx NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

PM2.5

PM10

B(a)P

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/
Fs

Total
PAHs

HCB

PCBs

Energy production and distribution

Energy use in industry

Commercial, institutional and households

Road transport

Non-road transport

Industrial processes and product use

Agriculture

Waste

Other

Table ES.2 

Accepted inventory adjustment applications (UNECE, 2014b, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Member State

Pollutant

NFR

Belgium

Denmark

Finland

France

NOx

NMVOCs

NMVOCs

NH3

NH3

NOx

NOx

Road transport (1A3bi-iv), Agriculture (3B, 3Da1, 3Da2a)

Agriculture (3B, 3De)

Agriculture (3B)

Agriculture (3Da1, 3De)

Energy use in industry (1A2gviii), Commercial, institutional and households  
(1A4ai, 1A4bi, 1A4ci), Road transport (1A3bi-iv)

Road transport (1A3bi-iv)

Road transport (1A3bi-iv), Agriculture (3B, 3D, 3Da2c, 3I)

Germany

NMVOCs

Agriculture (3B, 3De)

Luxembourg

NH3

NOx

Agriculture (3Da2c, 3I)

Road transport (1A3bi-iv), Agriculture (3B, 3De)

NMVOCs

Agriculture (3B, 3De)

Spain

NOx

Road transport (1A3bi, 1A3biii), Agriculture (3B)

Note: 

For Nomenclature for Reporting (NFR)	codes,	see	Appendix 4.

18

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Executive summary

Table  ES.3 

Emissions reported for 2016 by EU-15 Member States compared with Gothenburg Protocol EU 
emission ceilings for 2010 and years thereafter

Pollutant

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

EU-15 emissions,  
2016 (Gg)

EU-15 Gothenburg 
Protocol, 2010  
ceilings (Gg)

Difference (%)

Sum of individual  
EU-15 ceilings (Gg) (a)

6 004

5 111

1 332

3 115

6 671

6 600

4 059

3 129

-10

-23

-67

-0.4

6 519

6 510

3 850

3 110

Notes: 

For Spain, data for emission comparisons exclude emissions from the Canary Islands. The comparison with emission ceilings is based on 
reporting on the basis of fuel sold for all Member States.

Under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Body accepted applications from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, 
Luxembourg and Spain for emission inventory adjustments in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. However, as the EU-15 itself has not applied 
for adjustments, this table does not take these adjusted data into account.

(a)	The	protocol	also	specifies	emission	ceilings	for	individual	EU-15	Member	States.	In	some	cases,	the	sum	of	these	ceilings	is	different	
from	the	ceilings	specified	for	the	EU-15	as	a	whole.

Progress in meeting the EU's current 
emission ceilings and emission reduction 
targets for 2020 under the Gothenburg 
Protocol

Progress by non-EU EEA member countries 
in meeting emission ceilings for 2010 and 
years thereafter under the Gothenburg 
Protocol

The Gothenburg Protocol (1999) set commitments for 
the European Community, comprising 15 EU Member 
States.	Table ES.3	shows	their	aggregated	emissions	for	
2016 compared with the emission ceilings it specified 
for the EU in 2010 and for years thereafter. For NOx, 
NMVOCs, SOx and NH3, emissions in 2016 were below 
the ceilings. The Gothenburg Protocol was amended in 
2012 to set emission reduction commitments for 2020.

Figure ES.5	shows	whether	or	not	each	EU	Member	State	
met its Gothenburg ceiling in 2016. Estonia and Malta do 
not have Gothenburg ceilings as they are not yet Parties 
to the protocol, and Austria, Greece, Ireland, Italy and 
Poland have signed, but not yet ratified, the Gothenburg 
Protocol	and	are	therefore	excluded	from	Figure ES.5.	
Three Parties exceeded their NH3 ceilings (Croatia, 
Germany and Spain), and one Member State (Hungary) 
exceeded its limit for NMVOCs. All Member States 
complied with their NOx (adjusted data) and SOx ceilings.

The Gothenburg Protocol specified emission ceilings 
for three non-EU EEA member countries (Liechtenstein, 
Norway and Switzerland) for 2010 and onwards 
(UNECE, 1979, 1999). Liechtenstein has signed but not 
yet ratified the protocol. The EEA member countries 
Iceland and Turkey have not yet signed the Gothenburg 
Protocol. Emission data for Norway and Switzerland are 
the latest reported data under the LRTAP Convention 
(2018 submission round). Emission data are compared 
with the countries' emission ceilings under the 
Gothenburg Protocol.

Data from the above-mentioned countries show 
that, although Norway exceeded its NOx ceiling from 
2010 to 2014, it complied in 2015 and 2016, while it 
exceeded its NH3 emission ceiling in all years, and that 
Switzerland complied with all ceilings for all pollutants 
(see	Table ES.4).

19

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Executive summary

Figure ES.5  Distance to Gothenburg ceilings for EU Member States

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

EU-15

-100

-80

-60

-40

-20

0

20

40

60

Distance to Gothenburg ceilings (%)

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

Notes: 

Estonia and Malta have not signed the Gothenburg Protocol and therefore do not have ceilings. Austria, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland 
have	a	ceiling,	but	they	have	not	yet	ratified	the	protocol.	For	Spain,	data	for	emission	comparisons	exclude	emissions	from	the	Canary	
Islands.

The comparison with emission ceilings is based on reporting on the basis of fuel sold, except for Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the 
Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These countries may choose to use the national emissions total calculated on the basis of fuel 
used in the geographical area of the Party as a basis for ceilings comparisons instead (UNECE, 2014a). For the EU-15, the comparison is 
based on fuel sold.

Under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Body accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions from Belgium, 
Denmark,	Finland,	France,	Germany,	Luxembourg	and	Spain	in	2014,	2015,	2016	and	2017.	This	figure	takes	these	adjusted	data	into	
account. The EU-15 did not apply for adjustments and thus data for the EU-15 are unadjusted.

20

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Executive summary

Table ES.4 

Progress by other EEA member countries in meeting Gothenburg Protocol emission ceilings 
for 2010 and years thereafter

Member State NOx

NMVOCs

0
1
0
2




Norway

Switzerland

Member State

SO2

0
1
0
2




Norway

Switzerland

1
1
0
2




1
1
0
2




2
1
0
2




2
1
0
2




3
1
0
2




3
1
0
2




4
1
0
2




4
1
0
2




5
1
0
2




5
1
0
2




6
1
0
2




6
1
0
2




0
1
0
2




NH3

0
1
0
2




1
1
0
2




1
1
0
2




2
1
0
2




2
1
0
2




3
1
0
2




3
1
0
2




4
1
0
2




4
1
0
2




5
1
0
2




5
1
0
2




6
1
0
2




6
1
0
2




Notes: 

''	indicates	that	the	final	(2010,	2011,	2012,	2013,	2014,	2015)	or	provisional	(2016)	emission	data	that	a	country	reported	meet	or	lie	
below its respective emission ceiling. 
'' indicates that a ceiling is exceeded. 

Actions and recommendations for 
improved data quality

Reporting has become more complete in recent 
years. However, a number of data gaps remain in the 
official data sets received from Member States. The 
completeness of submissions can therefore be further 
improved, particularly for historical data for 1990-2000 
and for certain pollutants such as HMs and POPs. 
To compile as complete an EU inventory as possible, 
missing emission data are gap-filled as far as is feasible 
(for details see Section 1.4.5).

This report also contains several recommendations that 
may further improve the quality of the EU inventory 
in future. Member States should submit complete 
inventories and use proper notation keys for instances 
where estimated values are not available. They should 
recalculate emission data for past years when new 

methods or new scientific knowledge become available. 
In this context, Member States are recommended to 
review and apply the information contained in the 
updated EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory 
guidebook — 2016 (Inventory guidebook for short; 
EMEP/EEA, 2016) when compiling their emission 
inventory data sets.

Member States are encouraged to take into account 
the findings of the annual quality checks performed by 
the EEA and its European Topic Centre on Air Pollution 
and Climate Change Mitigation (ETC/ACM) during the 
compilation of the EU inventory. Where necessary, they 
can either resubmit inventory data (in the new NFR14 
format) or update next year's inventory to reflect new 
insights gained or errors identified. In 2018, several 
Member States were contacted with data requests by 
the EEA. Ten Member States replied and some gave 
explanations or announced resubmissions.

21

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

1 

Introduction

The European Commission provides this report and its 
accompanying data (on behalf of the European Union 
(EU)) as an official submission to the secretariat for the 
Executive Body of the Long-range Transboundary Air 
Pollution (LRTAP) Convention.

The report covers the following subjects: the formal 
institutional arrangements that underpin the EU's 
emission inventory, the inventory preparation process, 
methods and data sources, key category analyses, 
information on quality assurance (QA) and quality 
control (QC), general uncertainty evaluation, general 
assessment of completeness and information on 
underestimations	(Chapter 1);	adjustments	under	the	
Gothenburg	Protocol	(Chapter 2);	emission	trends	and	
the contribution of key categories to total emissions 
(Chapter 3);	sectoral	analysis	and	emission	trends	
for	key	pollutants	(Chapter 4);	and	information	on	
recalculations	and	planned	improvements	(Chapter 5).

EU emission totals are estimated for the pollutants 
for which data should be reported under the LRTAP 
Convention	(see	Appendix 2),	i.e.	emissions	of:

main pollutants:

•  nitrogen oxides (NOx);

priority heavy metals (HMs):

• 

lead (Pb);

•  cadmium (Cd);

•  mercury (Hg);

additional HMs:

•  arsenic (As);

•  chromium (Cr);

•  copper (Cu);

•  nickel (Ni);

•  selenium (Se);

• 

zinc (Zn);

persistent organic pollutants (POPs):

•  polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/polychlorinated 

dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs);

•  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs);

•  non-methane volatile organic compounds 

(NMVOCs);

•  hexachlorobenzene (HCB);

•  sulphur oxides (SOx);

•  polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);

•  ammonia (NH3);

additional reporting of PAHs:

•  carbon monoxide (CO);

•  benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P);

particulate matter (PM):

•  benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F);

•  benzo(k)fluoranthene (B(k)F);

• 

indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP).

•  PM10;

• 

fine PM (PM2.5);

• 

total suspended particulates (TSPs);

•  black carbon (BC);

22

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

Emission estimates are not always available for all 
pollutants in each year, because there are gaps in the 
data from Member States. A gap-filling process was 
developed in 2010 for compiling the EU inventory, 
and was refined in 2011 and 2017 (see Section 1.4.5). 
Nevertheless, for certain pollutants (additional HMs, 
BC, individual PAHs), some Member States did not 
report data for any year, which made it impossible to 
apply such gap-filling techniques. For these pollutants, 
the EU total	thus	remains	incomplete.

Several annexes accompany this inventory report:

•  Annex A	provides	a	copy	of	the	formal	LRTAP	
Convention data submission of the EU for 
1990-2016 for the EU, in the required UNECE 
reporting format (NFR14).

•  Annex E	provides	Member	States'	projections	for	

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, PM2.5 and BC emissions for 
2020, 2025, 2030, 2040 and 2050.

•  Annexes F	to	I	provide	the	LRTAP	Convention	data	
submission of the EU for 1990-2016, for the EU-9, 
EU-12,	EU-15	and	EU-27.	Table A2.2	of	Appendix 2	
gives information on the country groupings.

•  Annex J	provides	an	overview	of	the	sources	of	data	
on emissions of the individual pollutants that the 
2018 EU inventory compilation used.

•  Annex K	provides	an	overview	of	the	completeness	
of the gap-filled inventory concerning the notation 
key 'NE' (not estimated).

•  Annex B	provides	the	updated	EU	NOx emission 
data for 1987-1989, as the 1988 NOx protocol of 
the LRTAP	Convention	requires.

1.1  Background

•  Annex C	provides	results	of	the	key	category	

analysis (KCA) for the EU, showing the main emitting 
sectors for each pollutant.

•  Annex D	provides	the	gap-filled	inventory	of	the	EU,	

colour-coded for the different data sources used and 
the different additional gap-filling methods applied.

1.1.1  Reporting obligations under the Convention on 
Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

The EU ratified the UNECE's Convention on LRTAP 
(UNECE, 1979) in 1982. Since 1984, eight protocols 
have	come	into	force.	Table 1.1	presents	the	status	of	
ratification of each protocol by the EU as a whole. The 
status differs across Member States.

Table 1.1 

EU ratification status of the LRTAP Convention and related protocols

Year

1979

1984

1985

1988

1991

1994

LRTAP Convention and its protocols

'Geneva Convention': Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution 
(UNECE, 1979)

'Geneva Protocol': Protocol on Long-term Financing of the Cooperative Programme 
for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in 
Europe (UNECE, 1984)

Status of ratification

Signed and ratified (approval)

Signed and ratified (approval)

'Helsinki Protocol': Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or their 
Transboundary	Fluxes	by	at	least	30 %	(UNECE,	1985)

Not signed

'Sofia Protocol': Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or 
their Transboundary Fluxes (UNECE, 1988)

Ratified (accession)

'Geneva Protocol': Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic 
Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes (1991) (UNECE, 1991)

Signed

'Oslo Protocol': Protocol on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions (1994) 
(UNECE, 1994)

Signed and ratified (approval)

1998

'Aarhus Protocol': Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (1998) (UNECE, 1998a)

Signed and ratified (approval)

1998

'Aarhus Protocol': Protocol on Heavy Metals (1998) (UNECE, 1998b)

Signed and ratified (approval)

1999

'Gothenburg Protocol': Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and  
Ground-level Ozone (1999) (UNECE, 1999)

Ratified (accession)

2012

Amendments to the Gothenburg Protocol (UNECE, 2012a)

Ratified (acceptance)

23

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

On	4 May 2012,	the	Executive	Body	for	the	UNECE	LRTAP	
Convention adopted amendments to the Gothenburg 
Protocol. The new text of the protocol includes national 
emission reduction commitments for the major air 
pollutants NOx, NMVOCs, SOx and NH3, as well as for 
PM2.5 (and BC as a component of PM). Countries are 
to achieve them in 2020 and beyond. For the EU, the 
emission reduction commitments from 2005 emission 
levels for 2020 and beyond are (UNECE, 2012a):

•  59 %	for	sulphur	dioxide	(SO2);

•  42 %	for	NOx;

•  6 %	for	NH3;

•  28 %	for	NMVOCs;

•  22 %	for	PM2.5.

The EU ratified the amended Gothenburg Protocol on 
30 August 2017.

The Executive Body of the LRTAP Convention adopted 
revised Guidelines for reporting emissions and projections 
data under the Convention on Long‑range Transboundary 
Air Pollution (reporting guidelines) at its 32nd session, 
in	March 2014	(UNECE,	2014a).	Parties	are	to	apply	
them in 2015 and subsequent years. A summary of the 
reporting	requirements	is	shown	in	Appendix 2.

The deadline for individual Parties to submit data to 
the	LRTAP	Convention	is	15 February	of	each	year.	
There	is	a	separate	deadline	of	15 March	for	submitting	
the accompanying inventory reports. The reporting 
guidelines specify separate reporting dates for the EU. 
They allow time to compile an aggregated inventory 
based on the individual submissions from Member 
States. The EU should submit EU inventory data to the 
Executive	Secretary	of	the	UNECE	by	30 April	each	year,	
and	the	accompanying	inventory	report	by	30 May.	
The reporting guidelines also request Parties to report 
emission inventory data using the new European 
Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) NFR14 
format.

In 2012, the Executive Body of the LRTAP Convention 
decided that adjustments to emission reduction 
commitments, or to inventories for the purposes of 
comparing total national emissions with them, may be 
applied in some circumstances, if such a circumstance 
keeps a Party from meeting one of its reduction 
commitments	(UNECE,	2012b;	see	also	Chapter 2).

The EMEP Steering Body reviews any supporting 
documentation and assesses if the adjustment is 
consistent with the circumstances and the guidance 
for adjustments (UNECE, 2012c). It makes the review 
available to the Parties, who have the option of making 
a submission to the Implementation Committee under 
Decision 2006/2	(UNECE,	2006).

In 2014, the EMEP Steering Body accepted inventory 
adjustment applications for emissions from Denmark 
and Germany, in 2015 from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, 
France, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain, in 2016 from 
Germany and Luxembourg and in 2017 from Spain 
(UNECE, 2014b, 2015, 2016, 2017). More information 
and	adjusted	emission	data	can	be	found	in	Chapter 2.

1.2 

Institutional arrangements

1.2.1  Member States

Member States are responsible for selecting the activity 
data, emission factors and other parameters used for 
their national inventories. Member States should also 
follow the reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a) and apply 
the methodologies contained in the latest version of the 
EMEP/EEA Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016).

Member States are also responsible for establishing QA 
and QC programmes for their inventories. The Member 
States' inventory report should include a description of 
the QA and QC activities and recalculations.

Member States submit their national LRTAP inventories 
and inventory reports through participation in Eionet 
(European Environment Information and Observation 
Network) (see Section 1.2.2 below). In addition, they 
take part in the annual review and commenting phase 
of the draft EU inventory report. Member States check 
their national data and information used in the inventory 
report and, if necessary, send updates. They also provide 
general comments on the inventory report.

1.2.2  The EEA, European Commission, Eionet and  

ETC/ACM

European Environment Agency

The European Environment Agency (EEA) assists the 
European Commission's Directorate-General for the 
Environment (DG Environment) in compiling the annual 
EU LRTAP inventory.

24

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

EEA activities include:

•  overall coordination and management of the 

inventory compilation process;

•  coordination of activities of the EEA's European 

Topic Centre on Air Pollution and Climate Change 
Mitigation (ETC/ACM), which checks the data, 
compiles the inventory and writes the draft report;

•  communication with the European Commission;

•  communication with Member States;

•  circulation of the draft EU emission inventory and 

inventory report;

•  hosting the official inventory database, and 

disseminating the data and the inventory report on 
the web.

Since 2004, the EEA and EMEP have supported a 
separate annual quality review of emission data the 
countries submit. It provides findings to countries each 
year, to improve the quality of emission data reported. 
Each year, EMEP publishes a joint report summarising 
the	review	findings.	Section 1.6	below	provides	further	
details of the annual data review process.

European Commission

The European Commission formally submits the EU 
emission inventory data and inventory report to EMEP 
through the Executive Secretary of UNECE.

European Topic Centre on Air Pollution and Climate 
Change Mitigation

The	ETC/ACM's (5) main activities regarding the EU's 
LRTAP Convention emission inventory include:

• 

initial checks, tests and centralised review of 
Member State submissions in cooperation with 
the EMEP Centre on Emission Inventories and 
Projections (CEIP), and compiling results from 
those checks (status reports, country synthesis and 
assessment reports, country review reports);

•  consulting with Member States (via the EEA) to 
clarify issues with data and other information 
provided;

•  preparing the gap-filled EU emission inventory by 

30 April,	based	on	Member	State	submissions	(which	
the Commission subsequently submits to UNECE);

•  preparing the updated EU emission inventory and 

inventory	report	by	30 May.

European Environment Information and Observation 
Network

Eionet facilitates the work of the EEA and the ETC/ACM 
(EU,	1999) (6). It comprises the EEA (supported by 
its European topic centres), a supporting network 
of experts from national environment agencies and 
other bodies that deal with environmental information 
(Eionet, 2017). Member States are requested to 
use the tools of the Central Data Repository (CDR) 
(Eionet, 2018) of the Eionet Reportnet to make their 
LRTAP Convention submissions available to the EEA.

1.3 

Inventory preparation process

The basis of reporting for individual Member States 
and for the EU is the LRTAP Convention (UNECE, 1979), 
its	protocols	(Table 1.1)	and	subsequent	decisions	
taken by the Executive Body. The reporting guidelines 
describe the data that Parties should report under 
the LRTAP Convention and its protocols. Under the 
agreement between Eionet countries and the EEA 
concerning priority data flows, EU Member States are 
requested to post a copy of their official submission to 
the	LRTAP	Convention	in	the	CDR	by	15 February	each	
year. The ETC/ACM subsequently collects the data from 
the CDR, performs a QA and QC analysis, compiles the 
gap-filled EU LRTAP Convention emission inventory 
database, and produces an EU LRTAP Convention 
emission inventory and inventory report. The European 
Commission formally submits the EU's emission 
inventory data and informative inventory report (IIR) 
to EMEP through the Executive Secretary of UNECE. 
The inventory and accompanying documentation are 
then made publicly available through the EEA website 
(see summary	in	Figure 1.1).

(5)  The current ETC/ACM was established in 2014 by contract between the EEA and the lead organisation, the National Institute for Public Health 

and the Environment (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, RIVM). It works with 14 organisations and institutions across 10 European 
countries.

(6)  A brochure describing the structure, working methods, outputs and activities of Eionet is available: EEA, Eionet connects,  

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eionet-connects

25

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

Figure 1.1 

Data flow for compiling the EU LRTAP Convention emission inventory

LRTAP Convention

Member States
Responsible for planning, preparing and reporting 
of national informative inventory report

15 February

Final Member States
LRTAP Convention
inventories

Draft EU LRTAP
Convention inventory

EMEP/UNECE

Reportnet

30 April

EEA

–  Communication with European 
  Commission
–  Communication with Member States
–  Circulation of draft EU inventory to
  member States for review
–  Hosting official inventory database
–  Web dessemination of data and 

inventory report

Public

Final draft EU LRTAP
Convention inventory

Final draft EU LRTAP
Convention inventory

EEA-ETC/ACM

–  Preparation of EU inventory
–  Initial QU checks
–  Maintenance of inventory database
   and archives

European Commission
Overall responsibility for EU inventory

Data transfer

Data used for EU LRTAP Convention inventory

Communication

1.4  Methods and data sources

Reporting obligations under the National Emission 
Ceilings (NEC) Directive and the EU Greenhouse Gas 
Monitoring Mechanism

EU Member States report their emissions of NOx, 
NMVOCs, SO2, NH3, CO, PMs, BC, HMs and POPs 
under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of 
national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, 
amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing 
Directive 2001/81/EC — known as the new EU National 

Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive (EU, 2016). The NEC 
Directive incorporates the reduction commitments 
for 2020 under the Gothenburg Protocol into the 
LRTAP Convention. The new NEC Directive came into 
force	on	31 December 2016	and	sets	2020	and	2030	
emission reduction commitments for five main air 
pollutants. Furthermore, the emission ceilings for 
2010 set in Directive 2001/81/EC remain applicable for 
Member States until the end of 2019. The reduction 
commitments agreed for 2030 are more ambitious and 
designed to reduce the health impacts of air pollution 
by half compared with 2005.

26

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Introduction

Table 1.2 

Overview of air emission reporting obligations in the EU, 2018

Legal obligation

Emissions to report

LRTAP	Convention (b)

NEC Directive

EU Monitoring Mechanism/
United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate 
Change (UNFCCC)

NOx (as nitrogen dioxide 
(NO2)), NMVOCs, SOx (as SO2), 
NH3, CO, HMs, POPs and PMs

NOx (as NO2), NMVOCs, SOx 
(as SO2), NH3, CO, HMs, POPs 
and PMs

Carbon dioxide (CO2), 
methane (CH4), nitrous oxide 
(N2O), hydrofluorocarbons 
(HFCs), perfluorocarbons 
(PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride, 
NOx, CO, NMVOCs and SO2

Annual reporting deadline 
for EU Member States

Annual reporting  
deadline for the EU (a)

15 February 2018

30 April 2018

15 February 2018

Not applicable

15 January 2018	to	the	
European Commission and 
15 April 2018	to	the	UNFCCC

15 April 2018

Notes: 

(a) The	European	Community	and	European	Union	have	signed	a	number	of	protocols	over	the	years.	The	commitments	include	
varying numbers of Member States. Therefore, emissions must be reported separately for the EU-9, EU-12, EU-15, EU-27 and EU-28 
(see Table A2.2	in	Appendix 2	for	more	information	on	EU	country	groupings).

(b) Parties	are	formally	required	to	report	only	on	the	substances	and	for	the	years	set	forth	in	protocols	that	they	have	ratified	and	that	
have entered into force.

Table 1.3 

Air pollutant reporting obligations comparison: the LRTAP Convention, NEC Directive and 
UNFCCC/Monitoring Mechanism Regulation (MMR)

Reporting item

Domestic aviation (LTO)

Domestic aviation (cruise)

International aviation (LTO)

International aviation (cruise)

National navigation (domestic shipping)

International inland shipping

International maritime navigation

Road	transport	(fuel	sold) (a)

NEC

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

LRTAP

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

UNFCCC/MMR

Incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Not incl.

Not incl.

Incl.

Notes: 

International inland shipping refers to shipping activity on continental waters, and international maritime navigation to shipping activity 
on marine water. Air emissions resulting from inland shipping are included, as they are more relevant to air quality for the surrounding 
environment.

(a) In addition, Parties may also report emission estimates based on fuel used as an additional 'memo item': Austria, Belgium, Ireland, 
Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom may additionally choose to use the national emission 
total calculated on the basis of fuel used in the relevant geographical area as a basis for compliance (UNECE, 2014a).

Incl.,	included	in	national	totals;	LTO,	landing/take-off;	Not	incl.,	not	included	in	national	totals:	memo	item.

EU Member States also report emissions of NOx, SO2, 
NMVOCs	and	CO	under	EU	regulation	No 525/2013,	
known as the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring 
Mechanism (EU, 2013). Member States should also copy 
this	information	to	the	CDR	(Eionet,	2018).	Table 1.2	
provides an overview of the different reporting 
obligations for EU Member States.

(UNECE, 2014a)	and	the	revision	of	the	NEC	Directive	
(EU, 2016). Minor differences still occur between 
reporting under the LRTAP Convention and NEC 
Directive:

•  Reporting of emission data for B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F 

and IP is voluntary under the LRTAP Convention, but 
is obligatory under the NEC Directive.

Reporting obligations under the LRTAP Convention 
and NEC Directive have now been harmonised since 
the adoption of the updated reporting guidelines 

•  Under the LRTAP Convention, Parties are invited 
to report their emissions for the EMEP domain 

27

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
	
Introduction

only. For Portugal, this means that emissions of the 
Azores and Madeira are included. This differs from 
reporting under the NEC Directive, for which the 
Azores and Madeira are excluded.

•  Under the NEC Directive, some emissions are 
not counted for the purpose of compliance 
(see Directive	2016/2284/EU,	Article 4(3)).

•  While reporting of projections is required biennially 
under the NEC Directive, it is obligatory only every 
4 years	under	the	LRTAP	Convention.

The NEC Directive and LRTAP Convention reporting 
obligations differ from the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) obligations 
by including domestic and international aviation and 
navigation	in	the	reported	national	totals.	Table 1.3	
summarises the main differences between the 
reporting instruments. The overall impact of these 
differences is small for most Member States.

1.4.2  General methods

The EU LRTAP Convention emission inventory is based 
on an aggregation of data reported by Member States. 
Methods	used	by	Member	States	should	follow those	
described in the Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016). 
Overall, Member States do follow this recommendation, 
which ensures that they use the best available methods 
to estimate national emissions and that inventories are 
improved continuously. Moreover, the technical review 
procedures set up by EMEP CEIP check and assess 
Parties' data submissions as per the review guidelines, 
with a view to improve the quality of emission data 
and associated information reported to the LRTAP 
Convention.

The recommended structure for an IIR involves a 
general description of the methodologies and data 
sources used. This includes an overview of the 

emission factors used in the national inventory, 
country specific or default, given in the Inventory 
guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016), and the specification of 
the sources of default emission factors and methods. 
It also includes a detailed description of activity data 
sources where data differ from national statistics. The 
following two subsections summarise the information 
that Member States provide in their IIRs. This should 
help readers to understand the foundation of 
the EU inventory. For detailed descriptions of 
methodologies and data sources, see the IIRs of 
Member	States	(see Appendix 5 for	IIR	references).

1.4.3  Data submissions and data sources

The deadline for Member States to report was 
15 February 2018.	In	the	2018	reporting	cycle,	
25 Member	States	submitted	their	inventories	and	
time series in time. Greece made no submission, and 
Italy and Malta submitted their data after the formal 
deadline	for	submission	(see	Appendix 3,	Figure A3.1).	
Two Member States did not provide complete time 
series in 2018 (Malta and Romania). All 27 Member 
States that submitted data used the new NFR14 
reporting	templates.	Appendix 3	presents	detailed	
information on Member States' submissions.

The data source for the EU inventory is Member 
States' emission inventories. The IIRs should document 
detailed information on the data sources used by 
Member States. The level of detail varies widely across 
Member States, although the main data sources 
are	official	national	statistics.	Table 1.4	summarises	
commonly used data sources for the various sectors.

Sources for emission factors vary according to the tier 
method used. One main source for emission factors 
is the Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016), but 
emission factors can also be country or even plant 
specific. It is impossible to survey the emission factors 
used by the Member States for all emission sources, 

Table 1.4 

Data sources commonly used for inventory sectors

Sector

Energy

Sources

Energy balances, EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) data, large combustion plant data and large point 
source (LPS) surveys

Transport

Energy balances, vehicle fleet statistics

Industry and 
product use

National production statistics, trade statistics, data from plant operators (facility reports), reporting under 
the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) and its predecessor, the European Pollutant 
Emission Register (EPER)

Agriculture

National agricultural statistics, specific studies

Waste

Landfill databases, national studies, national statistics, information from municipalities

28

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

as this information is not uniformly available: some 
countries report details of their methodologies, while 
others do not. Detailed information is available in 
Member	States'	IIRs;	Appendix 5	provides	references	
to these reports.

1.4.4  Comparison of Member States' emissions 

calculated on the basis of fuel sold versus fuel 
consumed in road transport

In	Article V/A.,	paragraph	22,	the	reporting	guidelines	
(UNECE, 2014a) specify how to report emissions 
from transport: 'For emissions from transport, all 
Parties should calculate emissions consistent with 
national energy balances reported to Eurostat or the 
International Energy Agency. Emissions from road 
vehicle transport should therefore be calculated on 
the basis of the fuel sold in the Party concerned. In 
addition, Parties may voluntarily calculate emissions 
from road vehicles based on fuel used or kilometres 
driven in the geographic area of the Party. The method 
for the estimate(s) should be clearly specified in the IIR.'

Paragraph 23 of the guidelines provides detailed 
information on the basis for compliance checking: 
'For Parties	for	which	emission	ceilings	are	derived	
from national energy projections based on the amount 
of fuel sold, compliance checking will be based on fuels 
sold in the geographic area of the party. Other Parties 
within the EMEP region (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Ireland, 
Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland 
and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern 
Ireland) may choose to use the national emission total 
calculated on the basis of fuels used in the geographic 
area of the Party as a basis for compliance with their 
respective emission ceilings.'

Parties can estimate transport emissions using the 
amount of fuel sold within the country or using fuel 
consumed. When fuel purchased within a country 
is used outside the country (and vice versa), these 
estimates can differ significantly. The EU inventory 
compiled in 2018 estimates emissions from road 
transport based on fuel sold for all Member States.

1.4.5  Data gaps and gap filling

Ideally, there should be no need to fill gaps in the 
reported inventory data, as it is the responsibility of 
Member States to submit full and accurate inventory 
data sets. However, Member States' submissions 

contain various data gaps for particular pollutants or 
years in the time series. Frequently, whole national 
inventories, emissions of some pollutants or sectoral 
emission data are missing.

The EMEP reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a) require 
that submitted emission inventories be complete. 
The gap-filling procedure in 2018 is identical to 2017 
and follows	a	methodology	paper	by	the	EEA	and	the	
ETC/ACM (EEA, 2009) and some changes agreed at the 
meeting of the Task Force on Emission Inventories and 
Projections	(TFEIP)	in	2016 (7). This procedure is also 
consistent with the techniques used to fill emission 
data gaps that the Inventory guidebook suggests 
(EMEP/EEA, 2016). It uses a stepwise approach using 
emission data from other reporting obligations to fill 
gaps in the national data sets, followed by further 
gap-filling procedures such as inter- or extrapolation 
and manual changes. For further information on the 
gap-filling procedure, please see Box 1.1.

However, gap filling was applied only where national 
total and sectoral data were unavailable, or where a 
national total was available but there were no sectoral 
data. In the former instance, sectors were first gap-filled 
and then summed to determine the total. In the latter 
instance, the sectoral split of the previous or following 
year was used to fill the gaps. If a national total was 
available, but the sectoral data were incomplete, no 
gap filling was carried out. For BC, additional HMs, 
B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F and IP, some Member States lacked 
data for all years, and thus gap filling was impossible. 
In such instances, the EU emission totals for these 
pollutants are not considered complete (i.e. they 
are underestimated). Further, inventories cannot be 
considered complete if the notation keys 'NE' (not 
estimated) and in some cases 'NR' (not relevant), or 
the value 0, are reported or are used for gap filling. For 
further information on the effect of gap filling on the 
EU	inventory,	see	Section	1.8,	Figure 1.5	and	Figure 1.6.

Annex J	shows	how	the	various	officially	reported	data 	
sets were used to supplement the LRTAP Convention 
data submissions for those Member States where gap 
filling	was	required.	Annex D	offers	a	more	detailed 	
overview, showing each Member State for which data 
were gap-filled and how this was performed. The 
trend	tables	in	Chapter 3	(Table 3.6	to	Table 3.31) 	
also provide an initial overview, indicating which data 
have been derived by gap filling. Two Member States 
(the Malta	and	Romania)	did	not	provide	complete 	
time series in 2018, and Greece did not send any 
inventory data.

(7)	 TFEIP/Eionet	meeting	and	workshop,	16-18 May 2016	in	Zagreb.

29

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

Box 1.1  Unified LRTAP gap filling for EU and EMEP inventories (ETC/ACM, 2015)

A stepwise approach was used to fill gaps in the national data sets:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

 Emission trends of all pollutants were compiled from 1990 onwards using the LRTAP Convention emission 
inventories that the Member States provided to the EEA in 2018.

 LRTAP Convention data submitted to EMEP CEIP in 2018 were the next source used to fill remaining gaps. All 
reported data (i.e. values and notation keys) were used. In fact, there should be no difference between the 
Member States' LRTAP Convention emission inventories provided to the EEA and the data submitted to EMEP 
CEIP.

 For Member States that did not report complete data, emission data officially reported in the current reporting 
year by Member States under the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism are used to fill gaps. In this step, 
notation keys are not used.

 Next, emission data reported officially by Member States under the 2016 NEC Directive in the current reporting 
year are used to fill gaps. In this step, notation keys are not used.

 In a further step, notation keys reported in the current reporting year by Member States under 
the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism are used to fill any remaining gaps.

 Subsequently, notation keys reported in the current reporting year by Member States under the NEC Directive 
are used to fill any remaining gaps.

 Next, Member State LRTAP Convention emission inventories provided to the EEA in previous years are used to fill 
gaps still remaining (values and notation keys).

 Older LRTAP Convention data submitted to EMEP CEIP are the next source of official information used to fill gaps 
(values and notation keys).

 The gap filling continues with emission data reported in previous years under the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring 
Mechanism (values and notation keys).

10. 

For all remaining cases of missing data, further gap-filling procedures are applied:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

11. 

Linear interpolation is performed if one or several years in the middle of a time series are missing.

 Linear extrapolation is performed if one or several years at the beginning or at the end of a time series are 
missing, and if at least 5 consecutive years showing a clear trend (r2 ≥ 0.6)	are	available.	Extrapolation	'backwards'	
is never allowed to result in negative values.

 If fewer than five consecutive years are available as a basis for extrapolation, or if years do not show a clear trend 
(this is the case when r2 < 0.6),	the	value	of	the	previous	or	next	year	is	used	to	fill	the	gaps.

 If the notation key 'NA' (not applicable) or 'NO' (not occurring) is used as a basis for gap filling, it is treated as '0' 
and is not gap-filled.

 When both national total and sectoral data are unavailable, sectors are first gap-filled and then summed to 
determine the total.

 When the national total is available but there are no sectoral data, the sectoral split of the previous or following 
year is used to fill the gaps.

 After this automated gap-filling procedure, some manual corrections are necessary for all cases in which TSP 
emissions are smaller than PM10 emissions, PM10 emissions are smaller than PM2.5 emissions or PM2.5 emissions 
are smaller than BC emissions. In these cases, PM10 data were equated with TSP data, PM2.5 data with PM10 data 
and BC data with PM2.5 data.

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Introduction

1.4.6  Gridded data

According to the revised reporting guidelines, Parties 
within the geographical scope of EMEP should 
report	gridded	data	in	the	resolution	of	0.1 ° × 0.1 °	
longitude-latitude every 4 years, commencing in 2017. 
Since gridded data for the EU were last submitted in 
2017 (EEA, 2017c), they are not reported this year. 
However, in 2018 five Member States (Bulgaria, Croatia, 
Ireland, Italy and Romania) provided gridded data 
(see Appendix 3,	Table A3.1).

categories were identified as being key categories 
for more than one of the 15 pollutants assessed. 
'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' and '1A1a — Public 
electricity and heat production' were identified as 
being important emission sources for 14 and ten 
pollutants, respectively. Similarly, both '1A2f — 
Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries 
and construction:	Non-metallic	minerals'	and	'2C1	
— Iron	and	steel	production'	were	key	categories	for	
eight pollutants.

1.4.7  Large point sources

Parties within the geographical scope of EMEP are also 
required to provide data on large point sources (LPSs) 
every 4 years, commencing in 2017. LPS data for the 
EU were last submitted in 2017 (EEA, 2017c) and not 
reported again this year. In 2018, Romania and Finland 
provided LPS data.

1.5  Key category analyses

For NOx and CO, 12 and nine key categories were 
identified, respectively; as expected for both of these 
pollutants, the key categories with a large share in total 
emissions reported mainly involve fuel combustion. 
Ten key categories were identified for SOx (mainly 
energy related sectors), and seven for NH3 (all from the 
'agriculture' sector). PM10, PM2.5 and NMVOC emission 
sources are more diverse, so larger numbers of source 
categories	make	up	the	key	category	threshold	of	80 %	
of total emissions. For the PM pollutants, key categories 
comprise all sectors, while a key aspect for NMVOCs 
was high activity levels associated with the sector 
'industrial processes and product use'.

A key category is an emission source category that has 
a significant influence on an inventory. It may affect 
the absolute level of emissions, the trend in emissions, 
or both. This report classifies categories jointly 
responsible	for	80 %	of	the	national	total	emissions	of	a	
given pollutant as key categories (see EMEP/EEA, 2016).

For the HM Cd, 12 key categories were identified, as 
were 10 for Hg and nine for Pb. Emissions from these 
key categories were mostly related to the energy 
sectors and 'industrial processes and product use', 
resulting particularly from processes associated with 
metal production.

A level analysis of 2016 emissions for each pollutant 
(following any necessary gap filling) determined 
EU key categories. When a Member State used the 
notation 'included elsewhere' (IE) for a particular 
source/pollutant combination, the KCA is likely to 
have underestimated the category concerned, and 
overestimated the one in which emissions were 
reported instead.

Chapter 3	provides	a	summary	of	the	top	five	EU	key	
categories in 2016, for NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, PM2.5, 
PM10, CO, HMs (Pb, Cd and Hg) and POPs (PCDD/Fs, 
total PAHs, B(a)P, HCB and PCBs). A complete list of all 
EU key categories for the emissions of these pollutants 
is	also	given	in	Figure 1.2.	Additional	HMs,	TSPs,	BC	or	
the remaining POPs are not considered here.

A total of 55 different emission inventory source 
categories were identified as being key categories 
for at least one pollutant. A number of emission 

For the POPs, source categories from all sectors except 
'road transport' and 'agriculture' have been identified 
as key categories. On the whole, metal production 
was quite an important key source of POP emissions. 
However, emissions from 'Residential: Stationary' also 
contributed a large share to emissions of many of the 
POPs.

Several factors may influence the determination of 
key categories at EU level. The notation key 'IE' (see 
Appendix 1)	means	that	a	Member	State	can	include	
emission estimates for one NFR sector in those of 
a different sector. In addition, Member States have 
different ways of allocating emissions to the (sub)sector 
'Other', which might lead to inconsistencies. Given 
such issues, the EU KCA may not always accurately 
reflect the share of all main emission sources. It is also 
crucial to note that the results of a similar analysis 
of individual Member States will differ from the key 
sources determined for the EU.

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

Figure 1.2 

EU KCA results for 2016: bubble size indicates amount of emissions

PCDD/Fs

COPbCdHgTotal PAHs

PCBs

HCB

PM10

PM2.5

NH3

SOx

NMVOCs

NOx

16

19

35

39

14

17

12

14

18

14

15

21

24

35

15

41

36

51

12

14

12

19

18

12

11

19

39

52

12

18

11

13

11

12

11

17

23

%

Energy production
and distribution

Energy use
in industry

Road Transport

Non-road transport

Commercial,
institutional
and households

Energy production
and distribution

Industrial processes
and product use

Agriculture

Waste

1A1a
1A1b

1A2a

1A2b

1A2c

1A2f

1A2gvii

1A2gviii

1A3bi

1A3bii
1A3biii

1A3biv

1A3bv

1A3bvi

1A3bvii

1A3dii

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4bii
1A4ci

1A4cii

1B2aiv

1B2av

1B2b

2A5a

2A5b

2B10a

2C1
2C3

2C7a

2D3a

2D3b

2D3d

2D3e

2D3g

2D3h

2D3i
2G

2H2

2K

2L

3B1a

3B1b

3B3

3B4gi

3B4gii
3Da1

3Da2a

3Da3

3Dc

3Df

3F

5C1biii

5C1bv

5C2

5E

Notes:	

For	NFR14	codes,	see	list	of	source	sector	abbreviations	(Appendix 4).	All	values	> 10 %	are	indicated.

32

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

1.6  Quality assurance, quality control 

and verification methods

should be consistent with those described in the 
Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016).

Member States are encouraged to use appropriate QA 
and QC procedures to ensure data quality and to verify 
and validate their emission data. These procedures 

The main activities improving the quality of the EU 
inventory are the checks that the EEA's ETC/ACM 
performs on the status of each Member State's 

Table 1.5 

Overview of quality checks within the preparation of the EU LRTAP inventory and report

Check

y
c
n
e
t
s
i
s
n
o
C

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
r
a
p
m
o
C





s
s
e
n
e
t
e
l
p
m
o
C







Reporting 
overview

Adjustment 
overview

Completeness

Time series 
checks

 

y
c
n
e
r
a
p
s
n
a
r
T

y
c
a
r
u
c
c
A

l
e
v
e
L

 Submissions

 Submissions

 Submissions

National 
Totals, 
Sectors

NFR template line 
144 check



 National 
Totals

Total	PAHs	=
Sum of PAHs

TSP-PM10 ratio,
PM10-PM2.5 ratio 
checks

TSP	≥	PM10,
PM10	≥	PM2.5,
PM2.5	≥	BC	checks

National	Total	=	
Sum of Sectors

'NE' analysis

'NA' and 'NO' 
checks













National 
Totals

National 
Totals

National 
Totals, 
Categories

National 
Totals, Sum 
of Sectors

National 
Totals, 
Categories

s
k
c
e
h
c

t
s
r
i
F

















s
r
a
e
Y

1990-
2016

2010-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

1990-
2016

2016

s
k
c
e
h
c

t
n
e
u
q
e
s
b
u
S

)
g
n

i
l
l
i
f
-
p
a
g
r
e
t
f
a
(

i

e
h
t
n
h
t
i
w
s
k
c
e
h
C

t
r
o
p
e
r

t
f
a
r
d

l
l
i

w
s
e
t
a
t
S
r
e
b
m
e
M

e
h
t
n
o
d
e
m
r
o
f
n

i
e
b

i

g
n
d
n
i
f

s
n
o
i
t
c
e
r
r
o
c

/
s
e
g
n
a
h
C

If submission is 
missing or in wrong 
format

Gap-filling of 
missing data as far 
as possible

If a document is 
missing or in wrong 
format

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes



If difference is 
more	than	5	%

  Within the review 

of the draft version 
of the report

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

Only in case of 
resubmissions of 
the Member State

  National 

Totals, 
Categories

2016



Yes

Recalculations



Effect of  
gap-filling

Completeness of 
the EU inventory





National 
Totals

1990-
2015

 Whole EU 
inventory

1990, 
2016

 Whole EU 
inventory

1990, 
2016

 Within the review 

of the draft version 
of the report

 Within the review 

of the draft version 
of the report

 Within the review 

of the draft version 
of the report

No

No

No

33

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction

submission. In addition, it checks the internal 
consistency of Member States' data tables before 
compiling the EU tables. It checked Member State 
data at national total and sectoral level: when it found 
outliers, it identified the categories responsible. When 
it found no explanation for a notable trend in the IIRs, 
it contacted Member States. The checks focused on 
data that appreciably affect EU trends. An overview of 
the	checks	performed	is	given	in	Table 1.5,	and	of	the	
findings	in	Table 1.6.

Member States also provide external checks through 
an Eionet review before the EU submits the final 
version of the EU inventory to the secretariat of the 
LRTAP Convention. Further, an important element 
in improving the quality of national and EU LRTAP 
Convention inventories is the annual meeting of the 
TFEIP. This expert meeting discusses quality issues 
concerning the emission reporting of Member States. 
The 2018 meeting took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, in April 
(TFEIP, 2018).

The agreed gap-filling procedure is one of the 
instruments used to assure and improve the quality 
of the EU inventory. It analyses and, where possible, 
fills gaps in reporting of sectoral emissions and total 
emissions for any year. This improves the key features 
of completeness, comparability and consistency over 
the years, and motivates Member States to report their 
data in the following reporting cycle (further details on 
gap filling are available in Section 1.4.5).

All inventory documents (submissions, inventory 
master files, inventory reports, status reports and 

related correspondence) are archived electronically at 
the EEA ETC/ACM Forum data portal. Revisions of data 
sets are recorded.

The EMEP CEIP performs more detailed QA activities 
in an annual review process (EMEP CEIP, 2018a). It 
reviews Member State LRTAP Convention emission 
inventories at the same time as the EEA reviews those 
reported under the NEC Directive (EU, 2016). The EMEP 
CEIP technical review of inventories has three stages. 
Stages 1 and 2 include checks on timeliness, formats, 
consistency, accuracy, completeness and comparability 
of existing Member State inventory submissions. 
Test results, provided to Member States, are used 
to improve the quality of the national emission 
inventories. A joint EMEP/EEA review report publishes 
summary results of the review (stages 1 and 2) 
each year (8).

Stage 3 is a technical in-depth review of selected 
countries. It checks if submitted emission inventories 
are complete, consistent over time, properly 
documented and accurate. The annual in-depth 
review aims to be consistent across the Parties. 
The process should ensure that the Parties follow 
the same approach each year. CEIP selects the 
countries in cooperation with the EEA and EMEP. 
In 2017, it reviewed Albania, Austria, the European 
Union, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, 
Malta and Monaco. The results are included in 
individual country-specific reports (EMEP CEIP, 2018c). 
In	2018,	it plans	to	review	Armenia,	Azerbaijan, 	
Belarus, Finland, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine.

Table 1.6 

Findings of the quality checks within the preparation of the EU LRTAP inventory and report 

Test/check

Completeness

Time series checks

NFR template line 144 check

Total	PAHs = sum	of	PAHs

TSP:PM10 ratio, PM10:PM2.5 ratio checks

TSP ≥ PM10, PM10 ≥ PM2.5, PM2.5 ≥ BC	checks

National	total = sum	of	sectors (a)

'NE'	analysis (a)

'NA'	and	'NO'	checks (a)

Note: 

(a) The	check	was	performed	on	the	gap-filled	EU	inventory.

Findings

Number of Member 
States concerned

4

132

5

9

4

60

2

666

166

4

24

4

9

3

17

1

28

22

(8)  EMEP and EEA will jointly publish a summary of the results of the stage 1 and 2 review performed in 2018 (EMEP/EEA, forthcoming).

34

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

1.7  General uncertainty evaluation

To quantify uncertainty in the EU LRTAP emission 
inventory, Member States first need to provide 
detailed information on emission uncertainties. Only 
18 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, 
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, 
Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, 
Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom) 
quantified uncertainty in their emission inventories 
of 2016. The pollutants that they consider and the 
assumptions behind the uncertainty analysis vary 
across Member States. Because so few Member States 
provide an uncertainty estimate, the overall uncertainty 
of the EU LRTAP inventory cannot be estimated.

1.8  Completeness and underestimations

Completeness in this context means that reports 
include estimates for all pollutants, all relevant 
source categories, all years and all territorial areas. 
For substances for which there are existing reporting 
obligations in the Convention and the protocols as 
further specified by Executive Body decision 2013/4, 
as	shown	in	Appendix 3,	one	Member	State	(Greece)	
did not submit any data. Two Member States (Malta 

and Romania) did not provide complete time series 
in 2018. For substances and data for which reporting 
is encouraged, Austria, Luxembourg and Slovenia 
submitted no data for additional HMs, and Finland 
and Poland no data for Se. Austria and Luxembourg 
did not report data for BC; Austria, Finland, Italy and 
Spain submitted only total PAHs, but no data for all 
the individual components. A total of 25 Member 
States	reported	activity	data (9) for the complete 
time series (1990-2016). The stage 1 review provides 
detailed results for the completeness of Member State 
submissions (EMEP CEIP, 2018c).

Figure 1.3	shows	a	simple	compilation	indicating	
completeness of reporting by Member States for the 
inventory years 1990 and 2016. It uses the originally 
submitted NFR templates, i.e. before gap filling. It gives 
the percentages of each notation key or values that the 
reports present for source categories. The data are for 
all Member States and all pollutants (excluding national 
totals). The figures show that more data are available 
for 2016 than for 1990. The notation key 'NA' appears 
often. That is because an air pollutant is relevant only 
to specific emission sources (e.g. NH3 for agriculture). 
This makes it necessary to use 'NA' for other sources. 
The use of the notation key 'NE', the reporting of empty 
cells, '0', and in some circumstances the reporting of 

Figure 1.3 

Completeness of reporting of NFR templates submitted by Member States (all data entries 
for all pollutants, excluding national totals)

Values
22 %

'IE' + 'C'
5 %

'NO'
14 %

1990

No 
submissions
11 % 

Empty cells
0 %

'NE'
8 %

Values
25 %

'NR'
6 %

'0'
0 %

'IE' + 'C'
6 %

2016

No 
submissions
4 % 

Empty
cells
0 % 'NE'
9 %

'NR'
3 % '0'
0 %

'NA'
34 %

'NO'
16 %

'NA'
37 %

Notes:	

Appendix 1	provides	further	explanations	on	notation	keys.

C,	confidential;	IE,	included	elsewhere;	NA,	not	applicable;	NE,	not	estimated;	NO,	not	occurring;	NR,	not	relevant.

(9)  Reporting of activity data together with emissions is mandatory from 2009 onwards.

35

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016	
Introduction

Figure 1.4 

Number of 'not estimated' source categories for 2016 (dark shades) and 1990 (light shades)

Czech Republic

Ireland

Lithuania

Slovenia

Spain

Romania

Belgium

Sweden

Netherlands

Portugal

Cyprus

France

Slovakia

Malta

Bulgaria

Croatia

Latvia

Hungary

Estonia

Luxembourg

Denmark

Germany

Italy

United Kingdom

Austria

Finland

Poland

0

30

60

90

120

150

180

210

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

PM2.5

Note: 

The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter. Therefore, 'NE' reporting for PM2.5 
in 1990 might be high for several countries.

36

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

the	notation	key	'NR' (10), as well as 'No submissions' 
and 'Empty cells', count as incomplete reporting. 
Member	States	reported	16 %	of	the	2016	data	entries	
incompletely,	and	for	1990	they	reported	25 %	of	the	
data incompletely.

The EMEP emission-reporting guidelines 
(UNECE, 2014a) require Parties to report data at least 
for the base year of the relevant protocol, and from 
the year it entered into force, and up to the latest year 
(2	years	before	the	present)	(see	Appendix 2,	Table A2.1).	
So, ideally,	there	should	be	no	difference	between	the	
availability of data submissions for 1990 and for 2016.

There are many instances where some countries report 
emissions for a particular NFR category and pollutant, 
while other countries use the notation key 'NA' or 'NO'. 
Annex K	shows,	for	each	Member	State	and	for	all	
categories,	where	data	were	reported,	although	80 %	or	
more of the other Member States reported 'NA' or 'NO' 
for these categories.

The official reporting guidelines of the LRTAP 
Convention (UNECE, 2014a) allow countries to report 
emissions as not estimated ('NE') for some sectors. This 
is carried out where they know that emissions occur, 
but have not estimated or reported them. Countries 
should separately report why they have not estimated 
emissions.

Certain Member States used the notation key 'NE' for 
many	source	categories	(see	Figure 1.4).	The	Czech	

Republic, for example, reported 37 source categories 
of NH3 in 2016 as 'NE'. Overall, in most cases, the use 
of 'NE' in reporting in 2016 is similar to its use in 1990. 
Most uses of 'NE' (across all pollutants and Member 
States) are in the categories '1A3ai(i) — International 
aviation LTO (civil)', '5E — Other waste', '2D3g  — 
Chemical products' and '1A3aii(i) — Domestic aviation 
LTO	(civil)'.	Within	these	categories,	more	than	25 %	
of the entries say 'NE'.

Figure 1.5	and	Figure 1.6	show	the	proportions 	
of gap-filled data and the estimated underestimation 
of the EU inventory for 1990 and 2000. The 
calculated underestimation comprises missing 
data (e.g. if emission data of a pollutant were not 
estimated by a Member State and no data were 
available for gap filling) and the use of the notation 
keys 'NE' and 'NO' and zero values. To calculate 
the underestimation, the specific share of total 
emissions for each Member State was first assessed. 
The share was calculated as the mean value of the 
respective Member State's share of those pollutants, 
where a national total (gap-filled or reported) from 
all Member States was available. In the gap-filled 
inventory, whenever the notation key 'NE' or 'NR' was 
used, or zero data was reported within a sector, the 
share of this Member State is used to calculate the 
missing emissions within the respective sector. The 
sum of the missing emissions from all sectors and 
Member States is then calculated as the percentage 
value of the total emissions of a pollutant.

(10)  According to paragraph 9 of the emission-reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a), emission inventory reporting should cover all years from 1980 
onwards if data are available. However, 'not relevant' (NR) has been added, to ease reporting where the different protocols do not strictly 
require details of emissions. Only in these circumstances is 'NR' correct and appropriate.

37

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Introduction

Figure 1.5 

Completeness and effect of gap filling on EU emission data for 1990 (TSPs, PMs, BC: 2000)

Emissions 1990 (2000 (a)) (%)

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

SOx

NOx

NMVOCs

NH3

*
PM2.5

*
PM10

TSP*

BC*

CO Pb Cd Hg As Cr Cu Ni Se Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

Reported data

Gap-ﬁlled data

Data not estimated 

Note:  

(a) For TSP, PMs and BC: data for the year 2000 are shown.

Figure 1.6 

Completeness and effect of gap filling on EU emission data for 2016

Emissions 2016 (%)

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx NH3

PM2.5

PM10

TSP BC CO Pb Cd Hg As Cr Cu Ni Se Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

Reported data

Gap-ﬁlled data

Data not estimated 

38

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Adjustments under the Gothenburg Protocol

2  Adjustments under the Gothenburg 

Protocol

In 2012, the Executive Body of the LRTAP Convention 
decided that adjustments to emission reduction 
commitments or to inventories may be applied in 
some circumstances (UNECE, 2012b). The EMEP CEIP 
leads the adjustment procedure, coordinates the 
review of any supporting documentation and assesses 
if the adjustment is consistent with the particular 
circumstances and the guidance for adjustments 
(UNECE, 2012c). It makes the review available to the 
Parties, which have the option of making a submission 
to the Implementation Committee under Decision 
2006/2 (UNECE, 2006).

These circumstances are as follows:

(a)  emission source categories are identified that 

were not accounted for at the time the emission 
reduction commitments were set;

(c)  the ways of determining emissions from specific 
source categories have changed significantly 
between the time when emission reduction 
commitments were set and the year they are to be 
attained.

Table 2.1	lists	inventory	adjustment	applications	that	
the EMEP Steering Body accepted in 2014, 2015, 2016 
and 2017.

If a Party is planning to adjust its inventory for the 
purpose of comparing total national emissions with 
emission reduction commitments, it indicates in its 
notification to the UNECE secretariat and CEIP what 
categories	and	pollutants	are	affected.	It	uses	Annex II	
to the reporting guidelines as a basis (UNECE, 2014a). 
Table 2.2	shows	Member	States	that	submitted	their	
adjustment applications together with their LRTAP 
submissions via the CDR in 2018.

(b)  emission factors used to determine emission levels 
for particular source categories have changed since 
the emission reduction commitments were set;

Table 2.3	gives	an	overview	of	reported	adjustments	
within the LRTAP submission 2018. All approved and 

Table 2.1 

Accepted inventory adjustment applications (UNECE, 2014b, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Year of acceptance Member State

Pollutant

NFR14 code

2014

2014

2014

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2016

2016

2016

2016

2017

Denmark

Germany

Germany

Belgium

Belgium

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Luxembourg

Spain

Germany

Germany

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Spain 

NH3

NOx

NOx

NOx

NMVOCs

NMVOCs

NH3

NOx

NMVOCs

NOx

NOx

NOx

NH3

NOx

NMVOCs

NOx

3Da1, 3De

1A3b

3B, 3D

1A3bi-iv, 3B, 3Da1, 3Da2a

3B, 3De

3B

Years

2010-2012

2010-2012

2005-2012

2010-2013

2010-2013

2010-2013

1A2gviii, 1A4ai, 1A4bi, 1A4ci, 1A3bi-iv

2010-2013

1A3bi-iv

3B, 3De

1A3bi-iv

1A3bi, 1A3biii

3Da2c, 3I

3Da2c, 3I

3B, 3De

3B, 3De

3B

2010-2013

2010-2013

2010-2013

2010-2012

2010-2014

2010-2014

2010-2014

2010-2014

2010-2015

Note:	

For	NFR14	codes,	see	list	of	source	sector	abbreviations	in	Appendix 4.

39

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Adjustments under the Gothenburg Protocol

Table 2.2 

Adjustment application within the LRTAP submission 2018 (Annex II to the reporting 
guidelines (UNECE, 2014a)) (as of 6 May 2018)

Member State

Hungary

United Kingdom

Pollutant

NMVOCs

NOx

NFR

3B, 3De

Years

2010-2016

1A3b, 1A3dii, 1A4ciii, 3B, 3D

2010

Table 2.3 

Reporting of approved adjustments within the LRTAP submission 2018 (Annex I and Annex VII 
to the reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a)) (as of 6 May 2018)

Member State

Pollutant

Years

Annex I 
('adjustment  
row')

Annex VII

Declaration on consistent 
reporting of approved 
adjustments

Belgium

Denmark

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Luxembourg

NOx

NH3

NMVOCs

NH3

NOx

NOx

NMVOCs

NH3

NOx

Luxembourg

NMVOCs

Spain

NOx

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2016

2010-2015

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes 

Yes 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes, within the cover letter

Yes, within the cover letter

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

reported adjustments also appear in the emission 
trend tables in Sections 3.3 (NOx,	Table 3.6),	3.4	
(NMVOCs,	Table 3.7)	and	3.6	(NH3,	Table 3.9).	Parties	
shall report details of their approved adjusted 
aggregated emissions using the appropriate row in 
the	main	emissions	reporting	template	(Annex I	to	the	
reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a)). They shall also 
provide detailed information by pollutant and sector 
for each adjustment using the template provided 
in	Annex VII	to	the	reporting	guidelines.	Reporting	
of information on adjusted emissions in no way 
suspends the mandatory requirement for Parties to 
report	unadjusted	emissions	as	laid	down	in	section v,	
subsections A-D,	of	the	guidelines.

Figure 2.1	shows	for	the	EU	the	effect	of	the	
adjustments on the emissions (sum of Member States' 
adjustments). For NOx and NMVOCs, the EU emissions 
change considerably, but there is only a slight effect on 
the NH3 emissions.

Figure 2.1 

Adjusted and unadjusted emissions 
of NOx, NMVOCs and NH3 for the EU, 
2010-2016

Gg

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

 0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

NOx

NMVOCs

NH3

Adjusted Nox

Adjusted NMVOCs

Adjusted NH3

40

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3  Trends and key categories of EU pollutant 

emissions

The present EU inventory lists emissions for all the 
main air pollutants: PMs, HMs and POPs. It also reports 
the individual PAHs for which the LRTAP Convention 
requires or recommends inventory reporting 
(UNECE, 1979).

The	following	sections	of	Chapter 3	summarise	the	
contributions each Member State has made to the 
EU total emissions of NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO, 
PM2.5, PM10, TSPs, BC, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se, Zn, 
PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F and IP, HCB and 
PCBs. For the main pollutants and PM, and for the main 
HMs and POPs, the emission trend of the EU for the 
five most important key categories is given, as well as 
the share by sector group and sectoral emission trends. 
For BC, additional HMs, B(a)P, B(b)P, B(k)F and IP, data 
for several countries were missing and could not be 
gap-filled. Therefore, the EU total is not complete 
(see also Section 1.8).

3.1  Total EU emission trends and 

progress towards the Gothenburg 
Protocol 2010 emission ceilings

Emissions of all pollutants except Cu were lower 
in 2016 than in 1990 (or in 2000 for PM). Among the 
main air pollutants, the largest reductions across 
the EU (in percentage terms) since 1990 were for 
SOx	emissions	(which	decreased	by	91 %),	followed	
by	CO	(-69 %),	NMVOCS	(-62 %),	NOx	(-58 %)	and	
NH3	(-23 %)	(Figure 3.1).

Emissions of PM, BC and TSPs have also dropped 
substantially	since	1990	(Figure 3.2).	Emission	data	for	
2000-2016 indicate that PM2.5 and PM10 emissions have 
fallen	by	28 %	and	26 %,	respectively	(Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.1 

(a) EU emission trends and (b) indexed emissions for the main air pollutants

(a)

Gg

30 000

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

 0

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

70 000

120

60 000

100

50 000

40 000

30 000

20 000

10 000

 0

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx

NH3

NMVOCs

SOx

CO

NOx

NH3

NMVOCs

SOx

CO

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for CO emissions.

41

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.2 

(a) EU emission trends and (b) indexed emissions for PM and BC

(a)

Gg

9 000

8 000

7 000

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

 0

(b)

Index (2000 = 100)

 400

120

 350

 300

 250

 200

 150

 100

 50

 0

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2000

2005

2010

2015

PM2.5

PM10

TSPs

BC

PM2.5

PM10

TSPs

BC

Notes: 

The right-hand axis shows values for BC emissions. Not all Member States reported data for BC. The LRTAP Convention formally 
requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter. Thus, emission trends can be shown for these years only.

The	indexed	emissions	are	based	on	emissions	in	2000	(= 100 %).

In addition, for HMs and POPs, emissions have reduced 
significantly	since	1990	(Figure 3.3).	Reductions	are	
especially	high	for	Pb	(-93 %)	and	HCB	(-95	%).

For various pollutants (e.g. PM, HMs and POPs), some 
Member States did not report data, or reported the 
notation key 'NE' or 'NR' for certain years or the whole 
time series. In some cases, the data could not be 
gap-filled, so they were not included in the EU total. 
See also Section 1.8 for details on completeness and 
underestimations.

Data	tables	in	Chapter 3	(Table 3.6	to	Table 3.31)	show	
each Member State's reported emissions. They indicate 
instances where emissions of a certain pollutant are 
unrecorded for all years. Further, information received 
from the Member States or found in their IIRs is 
included in the trend sections (see Sections 3.3 to 3.28). 
If no information on unusual trends is given, Member 
States are contacted, informed about the findings 
and requested to send an explanation. As often no 
information on unusual trends is received, it is very 
inconsistent in Sections 3.3 to 3.28 which variations in 
trends are explained and which are not.

42

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016	
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.3 

Indexed EU emission trends for HMs and POPs

Index (1990 = 100)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
1990

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Ni

Cr

Se

Cu

Zn

Index (1990 = 100)

Index (1990 = 100)

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

PCDD/Fs

HCB

PCBs

Total PAHs

B(k)F

B(a)P

IP

B(b)F

Notes: 

The drop in HCB emissions between 1998 and 1999 is because the United Kingdom reported a considerable reduction over this period. 
The peak in PCDD/Fs emissions in 2013 is caused by data reported by Malta.

The trend of the B(a)P emissions follows the data reported by Portugal.

43

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.1 

Total EU emissions of the main air pollutants: HMs, POPs and PM

Unit

1990

1995

2000

2005

Pollutant

NOx

NOx (adjusted data*)

NMVOCs

Gg

Gg

Gg

NMVOCs (adjusted data*) Gg

SOx

NH3

NH3 (adjusted data*)

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

Gg

Gg

Gg

Gg

Gg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

PCDD/Fs

g I-Teq

B(a)P

B(b)f

B(k)f

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

kg

kg

Gg

Gg

Gg

18 139

15 427

13 202

12 167

17 461

13 771

11 254

9 385

25 078

16 586

10 035

5 080

4 348

4 294

7 677

4 078

8 109

5 544

4 768

4 740

2015

7 936

7 339

6 823

6 577

2 802

3 896

3 827

3 775

2016

7 644

7 184

6 707

6 463

2 378

3 913

3 842

3 707

64 804

52 420

37 356

30 288

20 254

20 142

22 703

10 749

4 402

2 323

1 673

1 661

 201

 199

 524

1 226

3 592

2 159

 265

9 878

9 183

1 148

1 074

 502

 414

10 563

5 309

 159

 136

 249

 747

3 616

1 888

 217

8 311

7 143

1 257

 414

 228

 212

8 004

4 825

 123

 103

 214

 536

3 732

1 438

 201

7 254

4 416

1 297

 302

 163

 153

 94

 86

 222

 432

3 868

1 290

 236

6 520

3 644

1 838

 300

 162

 154

 70

 60

 181

 340

 71

 58

 173

 342

3 864

3 897

 601

 182

6 253

3 076

 896

 270

 117

 153

 602

 176

6 283

2 991

 935

 256

 110

 144

4 373

2 817

1 784

1 845

 613

 497

 269

 278

13 480

11 598

6 937

4 408

3 524

3 454

Change (%) 
1990-2016

Change (%)  
2015-2016

-58

-62

-91

-23

-54

-69

-93

-65

-71

-67

-72

8

-72

-34

-36

-67

-19

-76

-78

-65

-83

-95

-74

-3.7

-1.7

-15.1

0.4

-1.8

-0.6

-0.7

2.0

-3.4

-4,4

0.5

0.9

0.2

-3.0

0.5

-2.8

4.4

-5.0

-5.6

-5.8

3.4

3.5

-2.0

Change (%)  
2000-2016

Change (%)  
2015-2016

1 861

2 783

 364

1 706

2 637

 333

1 363

2 099

 220

1 343

2 064

 214

-28

-26

-41

-1.5

-1.7

-2.5

Notes: 

Negative percentage values indicate that emissions have decreased.

Table 3.1	and	subsequent	tables	(Table 3.6	to	Table 3.31)	express	changes	in	emissions	between	1990	and	2016	as	
100  (E2016 - E1990) / E1990 (%),	where	E2016 and E1990 are 2016 and 1990 total emissions, respectively. They express changes in emissions from 
2015	to	2016	as	100  (E2016 - E2015) / E2015 (%),	where	E2016 and E2015 are thwe 2016 and 2015 total emissions, respectively.

The	bases	for	the	EU	inventory	shown	in	Table 3.1	and	subsequent	tables	(Table 3.6	to	Table 3.31,	inclusive)	are	national	total	data	of	the	
entire	territory,	based	on	fuel	sold	for	all	Member	States.	See	Section 1.4.4	for	further	details.

*Adjusted data:	under	the	Gothenburg	Protocol,	the	EMEP	Steering	Board	accepted	inventory	adjustment	applications (11) for emissions 
from several Member States. This table takes these adjustments into account, whereas emission data are based on fuel sold. See 
Chapter 2	for	further	details.

(11)  In 2012, the Executive Body for the LRTAP Convention decided that adjustments to emission reduction commitments, or to inventories for the 

purposes of comparing total national emissions with them, may be applied in some circumstances (UNECE, 2012b).

44

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016	
	
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

The Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE LRTAP 
Convention (UNECE, 1999) contains emission ceilings 
for the pollutants NOx, NMVOCs, SOx and NH3. 
Parties to the protocol must meet them by 2010 and 
thereafter. In 2018, only Finland, Luxembourg (only 
WaM projectinos) and the United Kingdom voluntarily 
submitted projection data under the LRTAP Convention. 
However, the last reporting year for projection data 
was in 2017, for which several Member States had 
submitted emission projections. Submitted data are 
available	in	Annex E	of	this	report.	This	report	does	not	
provide further detailed analysis of projections that 
countries reported in relation to the emission ceilings 
for 2010 in the Gothenburg Protocol.

In	June 2018,	the	EEA	publishes	its	annual	NEC	Directive	
reporting, which analyses the emission data reported 
under the EU NEC Directive for EU Member States 
(EEA, forthcoming). For the EU Member States, the new 
NEC Directive (EU, 2016) contains national emission 
reduction commitments for NOx, NMVOCs, SO2, NH3 
and PM2.5 for 2020-2029 and for any year from 2030.

The comparison with the EU-15 ceilings of the 
Gothenburg Protocol in this report is on the basis 

of fuel sold, except for Austria, Belgium, Ireland, 
Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. 
These countries may choose to calculate emissions 
on the basis of fuel used for their territories (see 
Section 1.4.4).

In addition to ceilings for individual countries, the 
protocol also specifies ceilings for the EU, which is 
itself	a	Party	to	the	protocol.	Table 3.2	sets	out	the	
emissions that the EU-15 Member States reported for 
2016, compared with the respective emission ceilings 
specified for the EU. For all four pollutants, emissions 
in 2016 were below the ceilings.

Figure 3.4	shows	whether	or	not	EU	Member	States	
met the Gothenburg ceilings in 2016. Estonia and Malta 
do not have Gothenburg ceilings, and Austria, Greece, 
Ireland, Italy and Poland have not yet ratified the 
Gothenburg Protocol and are therefore excluded from 
Figure 3.4.	Three	countries	exceeded	their	NH3 ceilings 
(Croatia, Germany and Spain), and one Member State 
(Hungary) did not comply with its ceiling for NMVOCs. 
All Member States complied with their NOx (adjusted 
data) and SOx ceilings.

Table 3.2 

Comparison of emissions reported for 2016 by EU-15 Member States with emission ceilings 
for the EU specified in the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol

Pollutant

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

EU-15 emissions,  
2016 (Gg)

EU-15 Gothenburg 
Protocol, 2010 ceilings 
(Gg)

Difference
(%)

Sum of individual  
EU-15 ceilings (Gg) (a)

6 004

5 111

1 332

3 115

6 671

6 600

4 059

3 129

-10

-23

-67

-0.4

6 519

6 510

3 850

3 110

Notes: 

For Spain, data for emission comparisons exclude emissions from the Canary Islands, i.e. data comprise the EMEP domain only.

Under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Board accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions from Belgium, 
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. However, as the EU-15 itself has not applied 
for adjustments, this table does not take these adjusted data into account.

(a) Emission	ceilings	are	also	specified	for	individual	EU-15	Member	States.	The	sum	of	these	ceilings	is	different	from	the	ceilings	
specified	for	the	EU-15	as	a	whole.

45

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.4 

Distance of Member State emissions in 2016 to the ceilings set in the Gothenburg Protocol 
for 2010

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

EU-15

-100

-80

-60

-40

-20

0

20

40

60

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

Distance to Gothenburg ceilings (%)

Notes:	

Estonia	and	Malta	do	not	have	Gothenburg	ceilings.	Austria,	Greece,	Ireland,	Italy	and	Poland	have	ceilings,	but	they	have	not	yet	ratified	
the protocol. For Spain, data for emission comparisons exclude emissions from the Canary Islands.

The comparison with emission ceilings is based on reporting on the basis of fuel sold, except for Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands 
and the United Kingdom. These countries may choose to calculate their emissions on the basis of fuel used in their territories instead 
(UNECE, 2014a). For the EU-15, the comparison is based on fuel sold.

Under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Board accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions from Belgium, 
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. This table takes these adjusted data into 
account. The EU-15 did not apply for adjustments and thus data for the EU-15 are unadjusted.

46

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.2  Progress of non-EU countries in 

3.2.2  Progress in meeting the ceilings

meeting 2010 emission ceilings under 
the Gothenburg Protocol to the 
UNECE LRTAP Convention

3.2.1  Emissions of non-EU EEA member countries 

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and 
Turkey

In 2018, all EEA-5 (non-EU EEA member countries 
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and 
Turkey) countries except Liechtenstein submitted their 
emission	data	(see	Table 3.3).

The Gothenburg Protocol of the LRTAP Convention 
specifies emission ceilings for 2010 and onwards 
for three EEA-5 member countries (Liechtenstein, 
Norway and Switzerland) (UNECE, 1979, 1999); see 
Table 3.4.	Liechtenstein	has	signed	but	not	yet	ratified	
the protocol. The EEA member countries Iceland and 
Turkey have not yet signed the Gothenburg Protocol. 
Emission data for Norway and Switzerland are 
compared with the countries' emission ceilings under 
the Gothenburg Protocol.

Table 3.3 

Emissions reported by the EEA-5 member countries from 2010 to 2016

EEA Member
Country

Emission data (Gg)

NOx 

NMVOCs

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Iceland

24

22

22

22

21

22

24

7.3

7.2

7.1

7.1

6.7

6.8

7.4

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland (a)

Turkey

189

75

698

185

71

737

180

71

649

169

71

679

SOx 

160

68

680

154

66

691

151

64

150

81

144

78

144

77

147

75

157

74

157

72

152

70

703

1 060

1 043

1 104

1 049

1 046

1 086

1 071

NH3 

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Iceland

74

73

84

70

63

56

50

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.1

5.4

5.4

5.4

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland (a)

20

10

19

8.5

17

8.8

17

8.5

17

7.7

16

6.5

16

6.2

29

59

28

59

28

58

28

57

29

58

28

57

28

57

Turkey

2 557

2 638

2 703

1 940

2 149

1 949

2 251

 547

567

628

657

 667

 650

 713

Note: 

(a) Data	are	based	on	fuel	used	for	road	transport.

Table 3.4 

Gothenburg Protocol UNECE LRTAP Convention ceilings

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

Gothenburg Protocol Ceilings

NOx

0.37

156

79

NMVOCs

0.86

195

144

SOx

0.11

22

26

NH3

0.15

23

63

47

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.5 

Progress in meeting Gothenburg Protocol UNECE LRTAP Convention emission ceilings

NOx

NMVOCs

Member State

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Norway

Switzerland

























































SO2

NH3

Member State

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Norway

Switzerland











































Note: 

Switzerland's assessment is based on data for fuel used.

'' attained; '' not attained. 

Data from the above-mentioned countries show that, 
although Norway exceeded its NOx ceilings from 
2010 to 2014, it complied in 2015 and 2016, while 
it exceeded its NH3 emission ceilings in all years. 
Switzerland complied with all ceilings for all pollutants 
(see	Table 3.5).

these two EU totals arises when only national totals 
and no sectoral data are available. There is a third EU 
total for NOx	(Table 3.6),	NMVOCs	(Table 3.7)	and	NH3 
(Table 3.9).	This	total	makes	allowance	for	approved	
adjustments	(see	also	Chapter 2).

3.3  Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission trends 

and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, NOx emissions dropped in 
the	EU	by	58 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	decrease	
was	3.7 %,	mainly	because	the	United	Kingdom,	Spain,	
France, Germany and Italy (countries ranked according 
to the size of their contribution to the absolute 
change)	noted	reductions	(Table 3.6).	The	gap-filled	
data for Greece also contributed to the decrease in 
NOx emissions. The Member States that contributed 
most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	NOx emissions in 2016 
were Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Spain 
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 
share in the EU total).

Spain stated that the dramatic drop in NOx emissions 
between 2005 and 2010 (the value for the national 
total	in	2008	is	11 %	lower	than	in	the	previous	year)	
was due to the closure of the main brown coal mine in 
Spain in 2007 and the necessary retrofitting in 2008 of 
the adjacent thermal power plant (see Spain's IIR, listed 
in	Appendix 5).

The main key categories for NOx emissions were '1A3bi 
— Road transport: Passenger cars', '1A1a — Public 
electricity and heat production' and '1A3biii — Road 
transport: Heavy duty vehicles and buses'. Together, 
they	made	up	46 %	of	total	emissions	(see	Figure 3.5).	
Of the top five key categories, the highest relative 
reductions in emissions between 1990 and 2016 were 
in the second most important, '1A1a — Public electricity 
and	heat	production'	(-71 %)	(see	Figure 3.5(a)).

In the following pollutant specific chapters, 
chapter 1.3 to chapter 1.28, the names of countries 
in enumerations are always ranked according to 
certain criteria, e.g. the percentage of their share in 
the EU total. The criteria for the ranking are specified 
in brackets. 

Table 3.6	to	Table 3.31	include	two	EU	totals.	The	
first is the sum of national totals that Member States 
officially reported. The second is the sum of the 
sectors of all Member States. A difference between 

Figure 3.5(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For NOx, common key emission sources are the energy 
and transport sectors. Emission reductions from the 
road transport sector are primarily a result of fitting 
catalytic converters to vehicles (EEA, 2017b). The 
legislative standards, known as 'Euro' standards, have 
driven this move. Nevertheless, the road transport 
sector represents the largest source of NOx emissions, 
accounting	for	39 %	of	total	EU	emissions	in	2016.	
The electricity/energy production sectors have also 

48

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.6 

Member State contributions to EU emissions of NOx

NOx (Gg)

Change (%)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 1990- 
2016

2015-
2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Adjusted data*

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

220

411

284

106

16

812

303

79

306

201

381

215

344

240

318

185

246

176

228

171

215

172

212

162

202

159

202

154

193

184

167

154

150

141

143

137

189

147

183

138

158

141

126

132

132

125

81

19

416

291

48

258

86

22

295

227

45

234

84

22

281

205

42

67

19

226

150

43

64

22

213

141

41

205

184

169

58

22

199

130

38

160

987

57

17

185

125

35

156

970

53

18

179

116

35

148

900

54

15

174

115

32

134

875

52

15

165

115

31

131

842

1 953 1 777 1 617 1 417 1 078 1 015

Adjusted data*

932

863

833

807

737

715

691

Germany

2 888 2 169 1 929 1 577 1 357 1 342 1 304 1 304 1 265 1 241 1 218

-58

Adjusted data*

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Adjusted data*

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

1 071 1 043 1 007 1 000

369

235

169

359

184

169

388

183

175

440

174

169

2 068 1 944 1 489 1 281

89

129

40

7.4

656

49

62

34

9.2

555

1 052 1 035

260

487

215

72

290

392

155

73

41

53

41

8.7

464

846

289

263

113

60

42

59

55

9.2

406

859

279

318

112

56

343

142

117

972

39

56

33

30

9.6

334

858

202

234

94

50

314

134

105

934

36

53

33

29

8.4

318

841

185

244

85

49

275

125

108

876

36

56

31

26

8.7

302

810

172

241

83

47

261

123

109

818

36

54

27

23

7.3

292

774

169

224

81

45

968

255

122

108

804

36

54

25

21

6.5

270

726

166

217

80

40

961

253

124

111

783

36

54

22

18

5.3

268

705

168

214

75

36

969

230

117

112

761

35

54

20

16

4.8

254

726

161

211

67

37

1 391 1 414 1 388 1 387

952

937

902

789

801

805

765

Adjusted data*

816

807

783

670

683

711

-3.1

-4.2

‑4.5

-5.0

-2.6

-2.7

-5.2

0.4

-0.9

-2.5

-3.9

‑3.4

-1.8

0.8

-8.9

-6.1

0.9

-2.8

-3.2

-0.4

-9.8

‑11.1

-9.8

-5.1

3.1

-4.1

-1.5

-10.1

2.4

-5.0

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

1.2

2.3

1.6

0.6

0.1

4.5

1.7

0.4

1.7

2.0

2.5

1.6

0.7

0.2

2.2

1.5

0.4

1.7

10.8

11.0

15.9

15.9

2.0

1.3

0.9

3.0

1.5

1.5

11.4

10.0

0.5

0.7

0.2

0.0

3.6

5.8

1.4

2.7

1.2

0.4

7.7

0.5

0.7

0.3

0.1

3.3

9.5

2.1

2.8

0.9

0.5

10.0

1.7

12.0

-30

-53

-56

-51

-8

-80

-62

-60

-57

-57

-37

-50

-34

-63

-61

-58

-51

-35

-61

-31

-38

-57

-69

-48

-45

-53

-72

Sweden

United
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

280

250

216

184

157

150

143

140

139

134

3 242 2 622 2 026 1 763 1 242 1 154 1 178 1 118 1 045 1 010

131

916

-2.7

-9.3

1.5

17.9

18 139 15 427 13 202 12 167 9 527 9 151 8 821 8 426 8 105 7 936 7 644

-58

-3.7

100

100

18 139 15 427 13 202 12167 9 527 9 151 8 821 8 426 8 105 7 936 7 644

EU-28 (c)

18 139 15 427 13 202 12 167 8 893 8 505 8 184 7 775 7 462 7 339 7 184

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

(c) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States	allowing	for	approved	adjustments.

*  Adjusted data: under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Board accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions 

from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain, whereas emission data are based on fuel sold.

49

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

reduced their emissions, thanks to measures such as 
introducing combustion modification technologies 
(e.g. low-NOx burners), implementing flue gas 
abatement techniques (e.g. NOx scrubbers and selective 
catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic 
reduction (SNCR) techniques), and switching fuel from 
coal to gas (EEA, 2017b).

Non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOCs) 
emission trends and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, NMVOC emissions dropped 
in	the	EU	by	62 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	Member	
States	reported	a	decrease	of	1.7 %,	mainly	due	to	
decreased emissions in Greece (gap-filled data), the 

Figure 3.5 

NOx emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

5 000

4 500

4 000

3 500

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

 500

 0

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A3bi Road transport: Passenger cars

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

1A3biii Road transport: Heavy duty vehicles and buses

1A3bii Road transport: Light duty vehicles

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

(b)

Agriculture
6 %

Industrial
processes and
product use
3 %  

Waste
1 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
17 %  

Non-road
transport
9 % 

Road transport
39 %

Energy use 
in industry
11 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
14 %   

(c)

Gg

20 000

18 000

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.5(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'1A3bii	—	Road	transport:	Light	duty	vehicles'	and	'1A4bi	—	Residential:	Stationary'.

50

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.7 

Member State contributions to EU emissions of NMVOCs

NMVOCs (Gg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Adjusted data*

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Adjusted data*

Estonia

Finland

France

1990

1995

2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

 303

 330

 218

 278

 561

 175

 15

 571

 204

 152

 119

 15

 385

 203

 176

 160

 144

 139

 139

 141

 135

 138

 138

 217

 176

 142

 130

 127

 124

 117

 115

 114

 107

 96

 106

 117

 15

 18

 142

 90

90

15

 91

85

10

 89

79

10

 83

 75

9.2

 82

 68

8.8

 83

 69

9.0

 84

 70

9.3

 302

 267

 242

 230

 224

 223

 216

 216

 213

 172

 145

 122

 115

 112

 112

 103

106

103

 66

 42

 38

 33

 86

 24

 80

 24

 76

 24

 233

 200

 176

 145

 116

 104

 101

 76

 23

 96

 68

 23

 94

 70

 23

 88

 67

 22

 88

2 417

2 023

1 615 1 164

 771

 709

 684

 670

 628

 615

 608

Germany

3 402

2 039

1 609 1 324 1 230 1 146 1 120 1 105 1 029 1 039 1 052

Adjusted data*

1 029

 945

 916

 896

 819

 832

 848  

 331

 320

 143

 319

 223

 136

 319

 308

 255

 240

 223

 205

 203

 208

 113

 205

 168

 144

 147

 147

 149

 140

 143

 141

 122

 120

 109

 107

 108

 111

 106

 107

 108

1 996

2 028

1 590 1 339 1 117 1 027 1 019

 992

 927

 918

 904

 83

 117

 26

1.5

 498

 495

 223

 353

 169

 64

1 021

 353

 62

 88

 20

1.7

 357

 667

 220

 203

 150

 62

 955

 263

 53

 68

 16

 52

 67

 15

3.1

3.7

 42

 59

12

8.1

3.3

 42

 57

12

8.4

3.2

 43

 56

12

8.9

3.1

 43

 52

13

9.0

3.1

 44

 53

12

8.3

2.9

 42

 52

13

8.9

2.9

 40

 52

13

9.1  

3.1

 252

 190

 175

 170

 166

 158

 152

 149

 141

 596

 606

 636

 616

 611

 603

 591

 591

 609

 224

 193

 163

 156

 154

 152

 156

 157

 154

 281

 329

 288

 280

 285

 271

 266

 260

 258

 121

 107

 52

 43

 90

 37

 88

 35

 80

 33

 71

 32

 66

 30

 69

 30

 64

 31

 947

 803

 637

 611

 586

 567

 568

 583

 594

 224

 212

 184

 177

 167

 163

 161

 162

 159

2 990

2 340

1 648 1 184

 903

 890

 878

 850

 842

 837

 821

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Adjusted data*

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

EU-28 (c)

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-55

-65

-85

-60

-39

-63

-49

-66

-62

-75

-69

-66

-56

-24

-55

-52

-55

-51

99

-72

23

-31

-27

-62

-52

-42

-55

-73

-0.1

-0.2

1.3

1.3

2.5

-1.5

-2.8

‑4.2

-1.4

-0.1

‑1.1

1.2

1.9

-45.8

-1.3

1.6

-1.5

-4.3

1.7

2.4

2.7

4.3

-5.5

3.1

-2.4

-0.5

-7.6

1.2

1.8

-1.7

-1.9

1.7

1.9

3.2

1.0

0.1

3.3

1.2

0.4

1.3

13.8

19.5

1.9

1.8

0.8

2.1

1.7

0.0

1.2

1.0

0.1

3.2

1.5

0.3

1.3

9.1

15.7

1.7

2.1

1.6

11.4

13.5

0.5

0.7

0.2

0.0

2.9

2.8

1.3

2.0

1.0

0.4

5.8

2.0

0.6

0.8

0.2

0.0

2.1

9.1

2.3

3.9

1.0

0.5

8.9

2.4

17.1

12.2

17 461 13 771 11 254 9 385 7 840 7 439 7 280 7 093 6 824 6 823 6 707

-62

-1.7

100

100

17 461 13 771 11 254 9 385 7 840 7 439 7 280 7 093 6 824 6 823 6 707

17461 13771 11254 9385 7600 7200 7037 6845 6575 6577 6463

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

(c) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States	allowing	for	approved	adjustments.

*Adjusted data: under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Board accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions from 
Denmark, Germany and Luxembourg, whereas emission data are based on fuel sold.

51

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

United Kingdom and Italy (countries ranked according 
to the size of their contribution to the absolute change) 
(Table 3.7).	In	2016,	the	Member	States	that	contributed	
most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	NMVOC	emissions	were	
Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom (countries 
ranked according to the percentage of their share in 
the EU total).

'2D3d — Coating applications' and '2D3a — Domestic 
solvent use including fungicides'. Together, they made 
up	39 %	of	total	emissions	(Figure 3.6(a)).	Among	the	
top five key categories, the highest relative reductions 
in emissions between 1990 and 2016 were in the 
second most important key category, '2D3d — Coating 
applications'	(-57 %).

The drop in NMVOC emissions between 1993 and 1994 
(not	shown	in	Table 3.7)	reported	by	Bulgaria	is	mainly	
caused by drastically declining emissions from the 
'industrial processes and product use' sector, namely 
'2D3e — Degreasing' and '2D3d — Coating applications'.

Figure 3.6(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For NMVOCs, the chief emission source is 'industrial 
processes	and	product	use'	(48 %),	followed	by	
'commercial, institutional and households', 'agriculture' 
and 'road transport'.

The most important key categories for NMVOC 
emissions were '1A4bi — Residential: Stationary', 

52

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.6 

NMVOC emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key 
categories, 1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

 500

 0

(b)

Other
0 %

Waste
1 %

Agriculture
13 %

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Industrial
processes and
product use
48 %  

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2D3d Coating applications

2D3a Domestic solvent use including fungicides

2D3i Other solvent use

2H2 Food and beverages industry

Energy
production and
distribution
9 %  

Energy use 
in industry
2 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
17 %   

Road transport
9 %

Non-road
transport
1 % 

(c)

Gg

20 000

18 000

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

3.5  Sulphur oxide (SOx) emission trends 

and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, SOx emissions dropped in 
the	EU	by	91 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
decreased	by	15.1 %,	mainly	thanks	to	reduced	
emissions in Poland, the United Kingdom, Romania and 
Spain (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(see	Table 3.8).	

The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	SOx emissions in 2016 were Poland 
and Germany (countries ranked according to the 
percentage of their share in the EU total).

Spain stated that the dramatic drop in SOx emissions 
in	2008	(the	value	for	the	national	totals	is	63 %	lower	
than in the previous year) was due to the closure of 
the main brown coal mine in Spain in 2007 and the 

53

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

necessary retrofitting in 2008 of the adjacent thermal 
power	plant	(see	Spain's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

In Slovakia, data reported for 2015 are significantly 
higher than for the year 2014. Slovakia explained 
that all SOx emissions were emitted from the source 
Slovenské elektrárne, which apparently in 2015 did 

not have any emission limitations or abatement 
technologies in place. From 2016 onwards, it has been 
possible to operate such facilities only when they 
comply with the strict limits set in the legislation. The 
considerable drop in emissions of SOx is due to the 
strict regulations in place (see Slovakia's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

Table 3.8 

Member State contributions to EU emissions of SOx

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

SOx (Gg)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

 74

 47

 365

 258

1 101 1 300

 170

 31

 78

 39

 32

 172

 862

 59

 48

 26

 142

 16

 60

 15

 53

 15

 47

 15

 44

 15

 41

 15

 41

 14

 42

 778

 388

 516

 330

 195

 189

 142

 105

 59

 38

 35

 22

 29

 21

 25

 16

 17

 14

 14

 17

 16

 13

 15

 16

1 755 1 059

 233

 208

 164

 168

 160

 145

 138

 133

 115

 178

 272

 249

1 282

 146

 116

 104

 959

Germany

5 486 1 746

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

 494

 824

 183

 504

 615

 161

1 784 1 322

 100

 191

 15

10

 49

 77

8.6

11

Netherlands

 197

 136

 33

 97

 82

 625

 646

 553

 427

 140

 756

 18

 37

3.3

 24

 78

 26

 76

 70

 15

 83

 66

 14

 73

 60

 12

 41

 50

 13

 36

 48

 11

 41

 44

9.7

 32

 41

 10

 30

 40

 458

 279

 249

 240

 211

 173

 162

 140

 473

 411

 401

 382

 374

 359

 364

 356

 570

 219

 158

 133

 119

 103

 41

 72

 31

 26

 34

 25

 32

 23

 31

 24

 28

 17

 99

 23

 15

 108

 23

 14

 409

 218

 196

 178

 146

 131

 124

 116

8.5

 26

2.4

 12

 67

4.3

 20

1.7

8.2

 35

4.3

 23

1.3

8.1

 34

4.4

 19

1.5

7.9

 34

3.9

 18

1.5

5.3

 30

3.9

 16

1.5

4.9

 30

3.7

 16

1.3

2.3

 31

3.5

 15

1.0

1.9

 28

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

2 649 2 138 1 404 1 164

 866

 828

 794

 759

 715

 702

 582

 324

 802

418

 331

 697

 265

 493

266

 126

 201

 124

 94

 193

 68

 62

 57

 51

 46

 47

 47

 605

 354

 324

 260

 227

 183

 157

 108

 89

 40

 69

 11

 68

 13

 58

 12

 53

 14

 45

10

 68

5.7

 27

5.1

2 053 1 774 1 401 1 215

 250

 287

 286

 226

 250

 267

 218

 103

 69

 43

 36

 28

 26

 25

 22

 20

 18

 19

3 767 2 454 1 286

 773

 450

 415

 459

 396

 322

 253

 179

25 078 16 586 10 035 7 677 4 201 4 105 3 702 3 241 2 967 2 802 2 378

25 078 16 586 10 035 7 677 4 201 4 105 3 702 3 241 2 967 2 802 2 378

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

54

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-81

-88

-90

-91

-48

-93

-94

-89

-84

-89

-94

-78

-97

-92

-93

-97

-92

-93

-81

-86

-78

-86

-87

-94

-97

-89

-82

-95

-91

-5.6

2.1

-25.9

-6.9

25.0

-13.5

5.4

-6.1

-2.4

-13.4

0.3

1.5

4.4

0.7

0.1

7.0

0.7

1.1

1.0

5.1

0.6

1.8

4.4

0.6

0.7

4.8

0.4

1.3

1.7

5.9

-2.3

21.9

15.0

8.8

-1.2

-8.3

-6.4

-6.5

-3.6

-25.2

-15.7

-8.9

2.0

3.3

0.7

7.1

0.4

0.8

0.1

0.0

0.8

4.5

1.0

0.6

4.9

0.1

0.6

0.0

0.1

1.2

-17.1

10.6

24.5

-0.8

-31.5

-59.9

-10.9

-18.4

5.8

1.3

3.2

1.7

0.8

8.2

0.4

2.0

4.5

1.1

0.2

9.2

0.8

-29.3

-15.1

15.0

100

7.5

100

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Category '1A1a — Public electricity and heat 
production' is the most significant key category for 
SOx	emissions,	making	up	39 %	of	total	SOx emissions 
(Figure 3.7(a)).	Among	the	top	five	key	categories,	the	
highest relative reductions in emissions between 1990 
and 2016 were achieved in the most important, '1A1a 
—	Public	electricity	and	heat	production'	(-94 %),	and	
the third most important, '1A1b — Petroleum refining' 
(-86 %).	The	other	three	top	five	key	categories	also	saw	
high reductions.

For these main emitting sources, several measures 
have been combined to reduce emissions since 1990: 
switching fuel in energy-related sectors away from 
high-sulphur solid and liquid fuels to low-sulphur fuels 
such as natural gas; fitting flue gas desulphurisation 
(FGD) abatement technology in industrial facilities; 
and the impact of EU directives relating to the sulphur 
content of certain liquid fuels (EEA, 2017b).

Figure 3.7(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For SOx, common chief emission sources are the 
energy sectors.

3.6  Ammonia (NH3) emission trends and 

key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, NH3 emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	23 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
increased	by	0.4 %,	mainly	because	of	increases	in	
Italy, the United Kingdom and Ireland (countries 
ranked according to the size of their contribution to the 
absolute	change)	(see	Table 3.9).	The	Member	States	
that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	NH3 
emissions in 2016 were Germany, France and Spain 
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 
share in the EU total).

In Belgium, the significant decrease in NH3 emissions 
between 1999 and 2000 is mainly because of an 
implementation of successive Manure Action Plans in 
Flanders	(see	Belgium's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The rising NH3 emission trend reported by Germany 
in recent years, especially over the period 2009-2015, 
reflects mainly data reported for the categories 
'3Da1 — Inorganic N-fertilisers (includes also urea 
application)' and '3Da2c — Other organic fertilisers 
applied to soils (including compost)'.

Spain offered the following explanation for the national 
NH3 emission trend observed in the period 1990-2015. 
In the first part of the time series, agricultural emissions 
underwent a notable increase, reaching a maximum in 
2003. This rise was mainly caused by significant growth 
in the national cattle herd. The use of synthetic nitrogen 
fertilisers also increased during that period. Until 2012, 
a progressive decrease in NH3 emissions was registered 
at national level. This reduction of emissions was 
probably due to a combination of factors, including 
the use of inorganic fertilisers, reduced growth in the 
number of cattle and the progressive introduction of 
abatement techniques in manure management. Total 
NH3 emissions increased between 2014 and 2016 
compared with 2013 levels. This rise was driven by 
an increase in the consumption of synthetic nitrogen 
fertilisers and a renewed increase in the numbers of 
cattle	and	pigs	(see	Spain's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The principal key categories for NH3 emissions are 
'3Da2a — Animal manure applied to soils', '3Da1 
— Inorganic N-fertilisers' and '3B1b — Manure 
management — Non-dairy cattle'. They jointly make 
up	52 %	of	total	NH3	emissions	(see	Figure 3.8(a)).	
Among the top five key categories, the highest relative 
reduction in emissions between 1990 and 2016 was in 
the most important, '3Da2a — Animal manure applied 
to	soils'	(-38 %).

Figure 3.8(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
A single	sector	group,	agriculture,	is	responsible	for	
most	(92 %)	of	the	NH3 emissions in the EU.

55

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.7 

SOx emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

1 800

1 600

1 400

1 200

1 000

 800

 600

 400

 200

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

(b)

Industrial
processes and
product use
9 %  

Non-road
transport
3 % 

Road transport
0 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
17 %   

 16 000

 14 000

 12 000

 10 000

 8 000

 6 000

 4 000

 2 000

 0

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

1A1b Petroleum reﬁning

1A2f Stationary comb. in manuf. Ind. and constr.:
Non-metallic minerals

1A2a Stationary comb. in manuf. Ind. and constr.: 
Iron and steel

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

Agriculture
0 %

Waste
0 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
51 %  

Energy use 
in industry
20 % 

(c)

Gg

30 000

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.7(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'1A1a	—	Public	electricity	and	heat	production'.

56

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.9 

Member State contributions to EU emissions of NH3

NH3 (Gg)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

 66

 123

 121

 54

5.3

 190

 126

 69

 128

 65

 42

6.3

 109

 108

Adjusted data*

Estonia

Finland

 24

 34

 12

 32

Adjusted data*

 66

 92

 54

 41

6.3

 87

 97

9.3

 34

 65

 75

 52

 42

6.4

 78

 89

11

 37

 67

 71

 47

 38

6.3

 72

 80

 72

 11

 35

 33

 66

 70

 45

 39

6.1

 71

 78

 71

 11

 34

 32

 66

 70

 45

 38

5.8

 70

 76

 69

 12

 33

 32

 66

 71

 46

 34

5.4

 72

 74

 66

 12

 33

 31

 67

 68

 49

 32

5.3

 72

 74

 66

 12

 33

 32

 67

 68

 50

 35

5.4

 73

 74

 67

 13

 31

 30

 68

 68

 50

 35

5.5

 73

 75

 67

 12

 31

 30

France

Germany

 668

 743

 648

 639

 662

 647

 625

 625

 615

 616

 615

 621

 628

 630

 625

 626

 656

 644

 660

 662

 670

 663

Adjusted data*

 586

 606

 592

 600

 601

 610

 602

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

 78

 149

 110

 472

 37

 80

6.8

1.9

 350

 441

 82

 68

 88

 113

 452

 17

 42

6.9

1.9

 223

 353

 75

 66

 93

 115

 455

 14

 35

7.2

1.8

 175

 319

 78

 65

 86

 64

 78

 63

 79

 62

 79

 62

 82

 61

 82

 60

 87

 56

 87

 113

 108

 104

 106

 108

 108

 111

 117

 424

 387

 387

 396

 378

 367

 368

 382

 15

 38

6.3

1.1

 15

 37

6.3

0.9

 15

 36

6.2

0.8

 16

 35

6.1

0.8

 16

 35

6.2

0.9

 17

 35

6.3

0.8

 16

 35

6.4

0.8

 16

 34

6.5

0.8

 153

 133

 129

 123

 122

 125

 126

 127

 300

 285

 285

 275

 274

 270

 267

 267

 63

 57

 58

 56

 54

 56

 57

 56

Romania

 131

 148

 168

 206

 175

 173

 172

 172

 169

 171

 167

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

EU-28 (c)

 74

 22

 48

 20

 40

 20

 36

 19

 31

 19

 30

 18

 31

 18

 30

 18

 31

 18

 31

 18

 30

 18

 502

 465

 540

 500

 456

 446

 439

 443

 464

 492

 492

 60

 61

 60

 58

 55

 54

 53

 54

 54

 54

 53

331

 308

 312

 290

 270

 271

 268

 264

 276

 280

 289

5 080 4 348 4 294 4 078 3 852 3 847 3 812 3 804 3 836 3 896 3 913

5 080 4 348 4 294 4 078 3 852 3 847 3 812 3 804 3 836 3 896 3 913

5 080

4 348

4 294

4 078 3 802 3 788 3 752 3 736 3 766 3 827 3 842

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

3

-45

-58

-35

5

-62

-40

-50

-8

-6

-11

-27

-42

6

-19

-56

-57

-4

-58

-64

-39

-31

28

-59

-17

-2

-12

-13

-23

1.0

-0.2

1.0

0.4

3.2

-0.3

1.2

0.4

-5.4

-1.3

‑1.2

0.4

-1.2

‑1.3

-6.4

0.2

5.0

3.9

-0.9

-2.0

2.1

-4.3

1.3

-0.1

-0.4

-2.3

-2.5

1.9

0.1

-2.2

3.2

0.4

1.3

2.4

2.4

1.1

0.1

3.7

2.5

0.5

0.7

1.7

1.7

1.3

0.9

0.1

1.9

1.9

0.3

0.8

13.1

14.6

16.1

16.9

1.5

2.9

2.2

9.3

0.7

1.6

0.1

0.0

6.9

8.7

1.6

2.6

1.5

0.4

9.9

1.2

6.5

100

1.4

2.2

3.0

9.8

0.4

0.9

0.2

0.0

3.3

6.8

1.4

4.3

0.8

0.5

12.6

1.4

7.4

100

(c) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States	under	consideration	of	approved	adjustments.

*Adjusted data: under the Gothenburg Protocol, the EMEP Steering Board accepted inventory adjustment applications for emissions from 
Denmark, Finland and Germany, whereas emission data are based on fuel sold.

57

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.8 

NH3 emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

1 600

1 400

1 200

1 000

 800

 600

 400

 200

 0

(c)

Gg

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

0

(b)

Other
0 %

Waste
1 %

Energy use 
in industry
0 % 

Energy
production and
distribution
0 %  

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
2 %   

Road
transport
2 %

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Industrial
processes and
product use
2 %  

Agriculture
92 %

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

3Da2a Animal manure applied to soils

3Da1 Inorganic N-fertilizers (incl. urea appl.)

3B1b Manure management — Non-dairy cattle

3B1a Manure management — Dairy cattle

3B3 Manure management — Swine

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

3.7  Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 

emission trends and key categories

Between 2000 and 2016, PM2.5 emissions dropped in 
the	EU	by	28 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	there	was	a	
decrease	of	1.5 %,	mainly	because	emissions	decreased	
in Greece (gap-filled data), Italy, the United Kingdom and 
Slovakia (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(see Table 3.10).	

The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	PM2.5 emissions in 2016 were France, 
Italy and Poland (countries ranked according to the 
percentage of their share in the EU total).

Estonia stated that the growth of PM2.5 emissions 
from 2010 to 2011 resulted from growth in electricity 
production during the same period. The significant 
growth of PM emissions in 2011 was due to an increase 

58

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

in	electricity	production	by	34 %	at	Estonia's	Balti	
power station (Eesti Energia Narva Elektrijaamad AS) 
and to the incorrect operation of electric precipitators 
on two of its power units. In 2016, particulate 
emissions decreased mainly due to the decrease of 
emissions from energy-related industries, and from 
the construction/demolition sectors (see Estonia's IIR, 
listed in	Appendix 5).

Domestic fuel use in '1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' is 
the principal key category for PM2.5 emissions, making 
up	51 %	of	the	total	(Figure 3.9(a)).	Among	the	top	
five key categories, the highest relative reduction in 
emissions between 2000 and 2016 was in the second 
most important key category, '1A1a — Public electricity 
and	heat	production'	(-61 %).	There	were	also	high	

Table 3.10  Member State contributions to EU emissions of PM2.5

PM2.5 (Gg)

2000

2005

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

 25

 41

 26

 33

2.7

 51

 24

 15

 29

 329

 163

 58

 48

 24

 23

 35

 31

 41

2.3

 45

 26

 14

 28

 260

 135

 58

 40

 24

 20

 32

 31

 31

1.8

 45

 25

 14

 26

 214

 121

 46

 50

 19

 20

 26

 34

 28

1.6

 43

 23

 18

 22

 186

 116

 40

 57

 17

 19

 27

 34

 26

1.3

 43

 21

8.2

 22

 191

 110

 40

 60

 17

 20

 29

 32

 24

1.2

 43

 21

 11

 21

 192

 109

 34

 61

 17

 18

 22

 31

 20

1.1

 41

 19

7.9

 21

 167

 104

 34

 52

 16

 18

 24

 32

 21

1.2

 40

 21

9.3

 19

 168

 103

 35

 55

 16

 18

 25

 32

 18

1.3

 39

 21

7.5

 20

 170

 101

 26

 53

 16

 195

 173

 196

 150

 177

 172

 155

 166

 162

 23

7.2

2.4

1.0

 29

 170

 67

 94

 31

 10

 185

 28

 151

 23

7.3

2.5

0.7

 22

 169

 62

 123

 38

 12

 157

 27

 129

 19

7.0

1.8

0.4

 17

 163

 51

 132

 28

 14

 139

 23

 122

 19

7.0

1.6

0.5

 16

 20

7.0

1.6

0.4

 15

 18

6.9

1.6

0.4

 14

 18

6.6

1.6

0.4

 14

 16

6.0

1.4

0.3

 13

 16

6.0

1.5

0.3

 13

 155

 154

 148

 140

 138

 146

 53

 53

 48

 48

 48

 47

 122

 125

 116

 115

 110

 110

 29

 13

 29

 13

 30

 13

 29

 11

 30

 12

 27

 12

 138

 136

 131

 130

 130

 128

 23

 22

 22

 19

 18

 18

 111

 116

 118

 112

 113

 109

Change (%)  

2000- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

2000

2016

-28

-38

24

-45

-51

-23

-13

-51

-31

-48

-38

-55

10

-36

-17

-29

-17

-37

-74

-57

-14

-29

17

-15

17

-31

-33

-28

-1.7

5.6

0.6

-10.9

8.2

-2.6

-0.4

-19.4

4.2

1.1

-2.3

-25.2

-2.4

-4.3

-2.4

0.3

0.7

11.9

-10.3

-4.8

5.2

-0.6

-0.3

-9.3

2.5

-1.4

1.7

-3.5

1.3

2.2

1.4

1.8

0.1

2.7

1.3

0.8

1.6

1.3

1.9

2.4

1.4

0.1

2.9

1.5

0.6

1.5

17.7

12.7

8.7

3.1

2.6

1.3

7.5

1.9

4.0

1.2

10.5

12.0

1.2

0.4

0.1

0.1

1.6

9.1

3.6

5.1

1.7

0.5

10.0

1.5

8.1

1.2

0.4

0.1

0.0

0.9

10.8

3.5

8.2

2.0

0.9

9.6

1.4

8.1

1 861

1 706

1 591

1 469

1 488

1 454

1 352

1 363

1 343

-28

-1.5

100

100

1 861

1 706

1 591

1 469

1 488

1 454

1 352

1 363

1 343

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.	

The LRTAP formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

59

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

reductions in the fourth most important category, 
'1A3bi	—	Road	transport:	Passenger	cars'	(-54 %).

In contrast, the emissions of the fifth most important 
key category, '1A3bvi — Road transport: Automobile 
tyre	and	brake	wear'	(20	%),	have	increased	significantly	
since 2000.

Figure 3.9(b)	shows	the	contribution	to	total	
EU emissions that each aggregated sector group made. 
The 'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
group is a major source of PM2.5, and also of PM10, 
CO and PCDD/F.

Figure 3.9 

PM2.5 emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

  900

  800

  700

  600

  500

  400

  300

  200

  100

  0

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

5C2 Open burning of waste

1A3bi Road transport: Passenger cars

1A3bvi Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

(b)

Industrial
processes and
product use
10 %  

Non-road
transport
2 % 

Waste
5 %

Agriculture
4 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
4 %  

Energy use 
in industry
8 % 

Road transport
11 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
56 %   

(c)

Gg

2 000

1 800

1 600

1 400

1 200

1 000

800

600

400

200

0

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.9(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'1A4bi	Residential:	Stationary'.

The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter.

60

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.8  Particulate matter (PM10) emission 

trends and key categories

Between 2000 and 2016, PM10 emissions in the 
EU	dropped	by	26 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	
decrease	was	1.7%,	mainly	because	emissions	dropped	
in Germany, Greece (gap-filled data) Bulgaria, Hungary 
and Italy (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(see	Table 3.11).	

The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	PM10 emissions in 2016 were Poland and 
France (countries ranked according to the percentage 
of their share in the EU total).

Estonia stated that the growth of fine particulate 
matter emissions from 2010 to 2011 resulted from 
growth in electricity production during the same 
period. The significant growth of PM emissions 

Table 3.11  Member State contributions to EU emissions of PM10

PM10 (Gg)

Change (%)  

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2000- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Member  
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

 39

 55

 47

 41

4.9

 70

 36

 32

 44

 439

 288

 98

 75

 40

 37

 46

 57

 51

4.3

 61

 37

 22

 43

 361

 242

 110

 68

 43

 33

 41

 53

 39

3.4

 59

 36

 23

 41

 306

 227

 91

 69

 37

 33

 34

 57

 36

3.1

 56

 34

 34

 37

 33

 35

 56

 34

2.3

 56

 32

 13

 35

 33

 37

 52

 31

1.9

 56

 32

 18

 34

 31

 30

 52

 27

1.9

 53

 30

 13

 34

 31

 33

 55

 28

1.9

 53

 31

 14

 32

 31

 34

 48

 26

2.1

 52

 31

 11

 33

 278

 283

 282

 255

 257

 255

 226

 219

 221

 216

 214

 203

 82

 80

 31

 83

 76

 30

 63

 79

 31

 63

 74

 29

 64

 78

 30

 56

 73

 29

 245

 218

 231

 183

 209

 204

 187

 197

 193

 27

9.5

3.1

1.4

 44

 309

 100

 117

 44

 12

 30

 15

3.3

0.9

 36

 321

 102

 157

 47

 14

 25

 14

2.6

0.7

 30

 28

 14

2.5

0.7

 30

 28

 14

2.4

0.7

 28

 26

 14

2.4

0.6

 28

 26

 14

2.4

0.7

 27

 26

 13

2.2

0.4

 27

 24

 13

2.3

0.4

 26

 300

 280

 280

 269

 252

 249

 259

 79

 89

 107

 67

 63

 64

 65

 166

 157

 159

 148

 148

 142

 141

 35

 15

 36

 15

 36

 15

 37

 15

 36

 13

 37

 13

 34

 13

 286

 264

 216

 212

 206

 199

 197

 198

 200

 46

 46

 41

 43

 39

 41

 37

 37

 38

United Kingdom

 232

 201

 185

 171

 174

 181

 173

 175

 172

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

2 783

2 637

2 401

2 282 2 286 2 203 2 085 2 099 2 064

2 783 2 637 2 401 2 282 2 286 2 203 2 085 2 099 2 064

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

-21

-37

2

-37

-58

-26

-13

-65

-25

-42

-30

-43

-3

-28

-21

-11

38

-27

-75

-40

-16

-35

21

-23

12

-30

-18

-26

-26

-0.8

5.4

-13.4

-8.4

6.4

-2.5

-0.2

-20.3

3.8

-0.6

-5.0

-12.3

-6.5

-2.0

-1.9

-5.6

2.0

0.5

-11.7

-1.7

4.2

1.4

-1.3

-8.1

2.5

1.3

2.2

-1.7

-1.7

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

2000

2016

1.4

2.0

1.7

1.5

0.2

2.5

1.3

1.2

1.6

15.8

10.4

3.5

2.7

1.5

8.8

1.0

0.3

0.1

0.1

1.6

1.5

1.7

2.3

1.2

0.1

2.5

1.5

0.5

1.6

12.4

9.8

2.7

3.5

1.4

9.4

1.2

0.6

0.1

0.0

1.3

11.1

12.6

3.6

4.2

1.6

0.4

10.3

1.7

8.3

100

3.2

6.8

1.6

0.6

9.7

1.8

8.3

100

61

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

in 2011 was due to an increase in electricity 
production	by	34 %	at	Estonia's	Balti	power	station 	
(Eesti Energia	Narva	Elektrijaamad	AS)	and	to	the 	
incorrect operation of electric precipitators on two 
of its power units. In 2016, particulate emissions 
decreased	mainly due	to	the	decrease	of	emissions 	
from energy-related industries, and from the 
construction/demolition sectors (see Estonia's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

The peak in PM10 emissions reported by Portugal for 
2012 was mainly caused by a rise followed by a sudden 
decrease in the values reported for the category '2A5b 
— Construction and demolition'.

As it is for PM2.5, '1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' is 
the most significant key category for PM10 emissions, 
accounting	for	36 %	of	total	PM10 emissions 
(see Figure 3.10(a)).	Among	the	top	five	key	categories,	

Figure 3.10 

PM10 emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

250

200

150

100

50

0

 1 000

  800

  600

  400

  200

  0

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

3Dc Farm-level agric. operations incl. storage, handling
and transp. of agric. products

2A5b Construction and demolition

1A3bvi Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

(b)

Waste
4 %

Other
0 %

Agriculture
15 %

Energy
production and
distribution
5 %  

Energy use 
in industry
6 % 

Industrial
processes and
product use
19 %  

Non-road
transport
2 % 

Road transport
10 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
39 %   

(c)

Gg

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

500

0

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.10(b),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'1A4bi	Residential:	Stationary'.

The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter.

62

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

the highest relative reduction in emissions between 
1990 and 2016 was in the fifth most important, 
'1A1a	—	Public	electricity	and	heat	production'	(-71 %).	
Reductions in emissions were also observed in the 
third most important category, '2A5b — Construction 
and	demolition'	(-16 %).	Emissions	of	the	fourth	most	
important key category, '1A3bvi — Road transport: 
Automobile	tyre	and	brake	wear'	(18	%),	have	increased	
since 2000. Emissions from the other two top five 
key categories remained constant (decreased by only 
0.4% and	increased	by	0.2%,	respectively).

Germany explained that between 1990 and 2016, total 
TSP	emissions	dropped	by	83 %,	due	to	the	application	
of the former West Germany's stricter regulations in the 
new Länder after German reunification, the transition 
from solid to gaseous and liquid fuels, and improved 
filter technologies for combustion plants and industrial 
processes	(see	Germany's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Latvia stated that the high TSP emissions in the year 
2004	(not	shown	in	Table 3.12)	can	be	explained	by	
increased road paving activities (see Latvia's IIR, listed 
in	Appendix 5).

Figure 3.10(b)	shows	the	contribution	to	total	
EU emissions that each aggregated sector group made. 
The 'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
group is a major source of PM2.5, and also of PM10, 
CO and PCDD/F.

The peak of TSP emissions reported by Portugal 
for 2012 is mainly caused by a rise followed by a 
sudden decrease reported for the category '2A5b 
— Construction	and	demolition'.

3.9  Total suspended particulate (TSP) 

3.10  Black carbon (BC) emission trends

emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, TSP emissions in the 
EU	dropped	by	54 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	
emissions	decreased	by	1.8	%,	mainly	because	of	
emission reductions in Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary 
and Romania (countries ranked according to the size of 
their	contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(Table 3.12).	
The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	TSP	emissions	in	2016	were	France	and	
the United Kingdom (countries ranked according to the 
percentage of their share in the EU total).

Estonia stated that the growth of TSP emissions 
from 2010 to 2011 resulted from growth in electricity 
production during the same period. The significant 
growth in PM emissions in 2011 was due to an increase 
in	electricity	production	of	34 %	at	Estonia's	Balti	
power station (Eesti Energia Narva Elektrijaamad AS) 
and to the incorrect operation of electric precipitators 
on two of its power units. In 2016, particulate 
emissions decreased mainly due to the decrease of 
emissions from energy-related industries, and from 
the construction/demolition sectors (see Estonia's IIR, 
listed in	Appendix 5).

Between 1990 and 2016, BC emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	41 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
decreased	by	2.5 %,	mainly	because	emissions	
reduced in France, the United Kingdom, Italy and 
Spain (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(Table 3.13).	
The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	BC	emissions	in	2016	were	Spain,	France	
and Italy (countries ranked according to the percentage 
of their share in the EU total). Several Member States 
did not provide data for BC, and some of these gaps 
could not be filled with data. The EU total is therefore 
an underestimate.

Estonia stated that the growth of fine particulate matter 
emissions from 2010 to 2011 resulted from growth 
in electricity production during the same period. 
The significant growth of PM emissions in 2011 was 
due	to	an	increase	in	electricity	production	by	34 %	
at Estonia's Balti power station (Eesti Energia Narva 
Elektrijaamad AS) and to the incorrect operation of 
electric precipitators on two of its power units. In 2016, 
particulate emissions decreased mainly due to the 
decrease of emissions from energy-related industries, 
and from the construction/demolition sectors 
(see Estonia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

63

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.12  Member State contributions to EU emissions of TSPs

TSPs (Gg)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

Bulgaria

 100

 126

 53

 97

 53

 90

 56

 15

 51

 12

 52

 85

 97

 51

9.7

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

 599

 219

 91

Denmark

 110

 106

 104

Estonia

 279

 127

Finland

 99

 68

 70

 58

 50

 72

 46

 60

 46

 52

 46

 55

 46

 57

 44

 49

 44

 51

 44

 54

 143

 114

 128

 113

 108

 110

 138

 100

 70

6.8

 75

 98

 36

 58

 54

5.7

 69

 98

 30

 57

 52

5.1

 67

 95

 43

 53

 48

3.8

 66

 93

 20

 51

 42

3.0

 66

 92

 23

 49

 39

2.7

 63

 91

 20

 49

 40

2.8

 62

 91

 21

 46

 38

3.0

 61

 91

 16

 48

France

1 243 1 156 1 088

 986

 896

 876

 880

 874

 835

 846

 842

Germany 1 985

 511

 474

 399

 376

 380

 371

 383

 376

 369

 347

Greece

 110

 109

 150

 188

 162

 148

 153

 100

 101

 102

 113

Hungary

 123

 114

 115

 117

Ireland

 88

 71

 91

 104

 94

 86

 118

 63

 95

 64

 103

 108

 116

 101

 63

 62

 64

 64

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

 342

 337

 291

 263

 277

 222

 252

 246

 226

 238

 234

33

29

 18

2.8

 98

33

14

9.7

3.8

 74

37

14

4.5

4.6

 52

51

20

5.3

1.3

 44

43

19

4.5

0.8

 37

53

19

4.5

0.8

 37

53

19

4.4

0.8

 37

48

19

4.3

0.7

 36

48

19

4.3

0.8

 35

53

18

4.5

0.5

 34

47

18

4.1

0.5

 33

Poland

 991

 734

 441

 462

 424

 398

 393

 373

 347

 342

 352

Portugal

 180

 239

 252

 289

 200

 230

 294

 156

 136

 142

 148

Romania

 188

 193

 203

 290

 281

 276

 265

 242

 245

 221

 207

Slovakia

 196

 149

Slovenia

 13

 14

 69

 15

 64

 17

 45

 18

 46

 18

 47

 17

 47

 17

 47

15

 47

15

 44

16

Spain

 331

 344

 368

 355

 278

 271

 258

 249

 248

 251

 250

Sweden

 75

 70

 62

 62

 57

 60

 54

 59

 53

 53

 54

United 
Kingdom  655

 517

 423

 412

 403

 366

 335

 373

 347

 361

 378

EU-28 (a)

8 109 5 544 4 768 4 740 4 236 4 127 4 087 3 878 3 720 3 775 3 707

EU-28 (b)

8 109 5 544 4 768 4 740 4 236 4 127 4 087 3 878 3 720 3 775 3 707

-17

-44

0

-33

-81

-90

-17

-94

-51

-32

-83

3

-18

-28

-31

41

-39

-77

-82

-66

-64

-18

10

-78

21

-24

-27

-42

-54

-0.3

4.9

-27.8

-7.3

6.6

-2.1

-0.4

-21.9

5.1

-0.5

-6.0

10.6

-12.7

-0.7

-1.6

-10.7

1.7

-8.9

-7.5

-2.1

3.0

4.4

-6.6

-7.2

2.6

-0.5

2.7

4.6

-1.8

0.7

1.2

1.2

0.7

0.2

7.4

1.4

3.4

1.2

15.3

24.5

1.4

1.5

1.1

4.2

0.4

0.4

0.2

0.0

1.2

12.2

2.2

2.3

2.4

0.2

4.1

0.9

8.1

100

1.2

1.4

2.7

1.0

0.1

1.6

2.5

0.4

1.3

22.7

9.4

3.1

2.7

1.7

6.3

1.3

0.5

0.1

0.0

0.9

9.5

4.0

5.6

1.2

0.4

6.7

1.5

10.2

100

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

64

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.13  Member State contributions to EU emissions of BC

Black Carbon (Gg)

2000

2005

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Change (%)  

2000- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU28 (%)

2000

2016

NR

8.6

2.9

4.8

0.7

6.7

6.1

3.5

7.6

 68

 36

8.1

7.1

4.2

 42

2.9

2.3

NR

0.2

9.9

 24

8.9

9.9

0.9

1.9

 52

4.8

NR

7.5

3.8

5.9

0.6

6.5

6.1

3.5

6.5

 57

 29

8.4

6.5

3.9

 39

3.6

2.5

NR

0.1

7.9

 26

8.0

11

1.2

2.4

 49

4.4

NR

6.4

3.8

4.7

0.4

5.2

5.6

3.2

6.3

 48

 21

7.3

7.4

3.1

 33

3.0

2.5

NR

0.1

5.4

 23

6.6

 12

1.2

2.6

 43

3.9

NR

5.2

4.0

4.3

0.4

5.0

5.3

3.5

5.3

 42

 19

5.7

8.1

2.8

 27

3.1

2.6

NR

0.1

5.1

 23

6.5

 11

0.9

2.5

 42

3.8

NR

5.0

4.2

4.0

0.3

4.9

4.8

2.2

5.4

 41

 18

5.3

8.4

2.6

 28

3.2

2.6

NR

0.1

4.5

 23

5.9

 12

1.0

2.5

 40

3.5

NR

4.8

3.8

3.7

0.3

4.8

4.8

2.6

5.0

 39

 17

4.6

8.4

2.6

 26

3.0

2.5

NR

0.1

4.1

 21

5.7

 11

0.9

2.5

 38

3.4

NR

3.8

3.8

3.2

0.3

4.6

4.3

2.0

4.9

 34

 16

4.8

7.2

2.4

 24

3.0

2.5

NR

0.1

3.7

 20

5.6

 11

0.9

2.2

 37

3.2

NR

3.8

3.9

3.3

0.3

4.6

4.3

2.6

4.5

 32

 15

5.3

7.7

2.3

 24

2.7

2.4

NR

0.1

3.4

 20

5.2

 10

0.8

2.1

 37

3.0

NR

3.9

4.0

3.0

0.3

4.6

4.2

2.2

4.7

 31

 14

5.1

7.5

2.2

 23

2.6

2.3

NR

0.1

3.2

 21

5.1

 10

0.6

2.2

 36

2.9

 41

 364

 364

 34

 333

 333

 27

 287

 287

 23

 263

 263

 23

 254

 254

 21

 240

 240

 19

 224

 224

 19

 220

 220

 18

 214

 214

-55

36

-38

-54

-32

-32

-37

-38

-54

-61

-37

5

-47

-46

-11

2

-48

-67

-12

-43

6

-36

14

-30

-39

-56

-41

0.3

1.9

-9.5

4.8

-0.9

-1.8

-14.6

4.0

-4.5

-5.0

-3.7

-2.8

-4.4

-4.7

-1.8

-1.7

-5.8

-5.9

7.4

-2.6

0.6

-26.4

3.4

-2.1

-1.9

-6.7

-2.5

2.4

0.8

1.3

0.2

1.8

1.7

0.9

2.1

1.8

1.8

1.4

0.1

2.1

2.0

1.0

2.2

18.6

14.4

9.8

2.2

1.9

1.1

6.5

2.4

3.5

1.0

11.6

10.8

0.8

0.6

0.0

2.7

6.7

2.4

2.7

0.3

0.5

14.2

1.3

11.2

100

1.2

1.1

0.0

1.5

9.9

2.4

4.9

0.3

1.0

16.8

1.4

8.4

100

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available	.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

65

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.11  Carbon monoxide (CO) emission 
trends and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, CO emissions dropped in 
the	EU	by	69 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	decrease	
was	0.6 %,	mainly	because	emissions	decreased	
in the United Kingdom, Italy and Greece (gap-filled 
data) (countries ranked according to the size of their 

contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(Table 3.14).	The	
Member States that contributed most (i.e. more than 
10 %)	to	CO	emissions	in	2016	were	Germany,	France,	
Poland and Italy (countries ranked according to the 
percentage of their share in the EU total).

Belgium explained that the peak of CO emissions in 
2013 was because one of its plants performed lime 

Table 3.14  Member State contributions to EU emissions of CO

CO (Gg)

Member 
State

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Austria

1 191

 930

Belgium

1 389 1 112

 743

 931

 347

 451

 30

 948

 464

 199

 562

 672

 756

 297

 419

 27

 844

 417

 155

 475

 585

 499

 278

 300

 19

 823

 345

 157

 410

 570

 396

 277

 273

 17

 805

 306

 132

 373

 574

 345

 272

 255

 16

 803

 288

 142

 364

 592

 523

 249

 232

 15

 821

 274

 134

 350

 546

 322

 243

 203

 15

 798

 250

 129

 344

 568

 375

 240

 217

 14

 795

 253

 129

 322

 565

 368

 245

 202

 15

 798

 244

 140

 324

 748

 557

 43

 507

 444

 38

2 102 1 401

 718

 236

 721

 639

 212

 630

10 579 9 152 6 633 5 304 4 225 3 517 3 204 3 254 2 735 2 682 2 737

Germany

12 522 6 463 4 812 3 737 3 337 3 250 2 878 2 850 2 744 2 850 2 864

1 163

1 395

 347

 999

 952

 291

 953

 825

 248

 799

 679

 218

 575

 531

 145

 515

 541

 134

 543

 557

 127

 453

 550

 119

 458

 471

 112

 433

 458

 109

 386

 450

 103

7 210 7 257 4 855 3 448 3 075 2 435 2 670 2 502 2 268 2 378 2 310

 460

 519

 463

20

 355

 336

 210

20

 280

 195

 42

0.7

 222

 181

 38

13

 152

 158

 29

10.5

 675

 158

 175

 26

9.4

 164

 168

 27

8.5

 147

 162

 26

8.7

 141

 153

 25

8.1

 118

 146

 21

7.8

 115

 145

 22

5.3

 652

 619

 589

 562

 569

 559

3 588 4 367 3 252 3 059 3 069 2 784 2 798 2 664 2 419 2 370 2 506

Netherlands

1 142

 915

 750

 722

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Poland

Portugal

 728

 788

Romania

2 369 2 332

Slovakia

Slovenia

 505

 306

 405

 278

 667

 685

 376

 182

 513

 960

 378

 150

 400

 868

 277

 131

 373

 792

 260

 128

 361

 814

 255

 124

 342

 762

 247

 123

 326

 766

 254

 106

 334

 744

 247

 107

 322

 742

 240

 110

Spain

4 712 3 989 2 877 2 155 1 802 1 757 1 694 1 652 1 663 1 649 1 661

Sweden

1 076

 939

 679

 559

 491

 479

 455

 450

 437

 427

 429

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

7 995 6 460 4 369 3 090 2 016 1 835 1 818 1 815 1 726 1 689 1 536

64 804 52 420 37 356 30 288 25 384 22 969 22 343 21 907 20 222 20 254 20 142

EU-28 (b)

64 804 52 420 37 356 30 288 25 384 22 969 22 343 21 907 20 222 20 254 20 131

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

66

Change (%)

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990 2016

-53

-74

-67

-64

-66

-62

-66

-41

-55

-74

-77

-67

-68

-70

-68

-75

-72

-95

-74

-51

-30

-56

-69

-52

-64

-65

-60

-81

-69

-0.6

-2.0

2.0

-6.5

2.7

0.4

-3.7

8.4

0.4

2.1

0.5

-10.8

-1.7

-5.6

-2.8

-3.0

-1.0

4.5

-31.4

-1.8

5.7

-3.6

-0.2

-2.8

2.4

0.7

0.6

-9.1

-0.6

1.8

2.1

1.2

0.9

0.1

3.2

1.1

0.4

1.1

16.3

19.3

1.8

2.2

0.5

2.8

1.8

1.2

1.0

0.1

4.0

1.2

0.7

1.6

13.6

14.2

1.9

2.2

0.5

11.1

11.5

0.7

0.8

0.7

0.0

1.8

5.5

1.1

3.7

0.8

0.5

7.3

1.7

0.6

0.7

0.1

0.0

2.8

12.4

1.6

3.7

1.2

0.5

8.2

2.1

12.3

100

7.6

100

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

production without oxygen (see Belgium's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

The slight increase in emissions reported by Finland 
between 2015 and 2016 was mainly caused by 
increased emissions reported in the category '1A4bi 
— Residential:	Stationary'.

'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' and '1A3bi — Road 
transport: Passenger cars' were the most important 
key categories for CO emissions, jointly accounting for 

55 %	of	the	total.	Among	the	top	five	key	categories,	
the highest relative reduction in emissions between 
1990 and 2016 was in the second most important key 
category, '1A3bi — Road transport: Passenger cars' 
(-91%)	(see	Figure 3.11(a)).

Figure 3.11(b)	shows	the	contribution	to	total	EU	
emissions that each aggregated sector group made. 
For CO,	common	major	emission	sources	are	
'commercial, institutional and households' and 'road 
transport'.

Figure 3.11 

CO emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Gg

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

 0

(c)

Gg

70 000

60 000

50 000

40 000

30 000

20 000

10 000

0

(b)

Agriculture
1 %

Waste
3 %

Industrial
processes and
product use
11 %  

Non-road
transport
2 % 

Road transport
20 %

 35 000

 30 000

 25 000

 20 000

 15 000

 10 000

 5 000

  0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2C1 Iron and steel production

1A2a Stationary comb. in manuf. Ind. and constr.: 
Iron and steel

1A3biv Road transport: Mopeds & motorcycles

1A3bi Road transport: Passenger cars

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
3 %  

Energy use 
in industry
12 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
48 %   

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.11(a),	the	right-hand	axis	gives	values	for	'1A3bi	Road	transport:	Passenger	cars'.

67

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.12  Lead (Pb) emission trends and key 

categories

Between 1990 and 2016, Pb emissions dropped in 
the	EU	by	93 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
decreased	by	0.7 %,	mainly	because	emissions	
decreased in the United Kingdom, Greece (gap-filled 
data) and Bulgaria (countries ranked according to 
the size of their contribution to the absolute change) 
(see Table 3.15).	The	Member	States	that	contributed	
most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	Pb	emissions	in	2016	
were Poland, Italy and Germany (countries ranked 
according to the percentage of their share in the 
EU total).

Austria stated that the significant reduction of Pb 
emissions from 1990 to 1995 is linked to emission 
limits for cars and trucks, as well as more stringent 
requirements for fuels. In this period, emissions arising 
from	the	transport	sector	decreased	by	nearly	100 %	
(see	Austria's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Belgium explained that the decrease in Pb emissions 
between 1995 and 2000 is mainly due to some 
measures taken in two large plants in Flanders. At 
Umicore Hoboken (2C7c), a number of installations 
were taken out of service at the end of 1997 
(electric kiln,	agglomeration	and	roasting)	and	the	ore	
park was evacuated. This led to a significant decrease 
in Pb, Cd and Zn emissions. For ArcelorMittal (2C1), 
there were lower mass flows for Pb, possibly caused by 
replacement of the electro-filter of the sintering plant 
by a sleeve filter in 1997. Another factory (2A3) that 
reported Pb emissions in 1997 did not make an annual 
industrial report in 1998 and stopped activities in 1999 
(personal communication by Belgium in 2018).

Croatia explained that, between 1990 and 2015, 
Pb emissions from the transport sector decreased 
by	99 %	as	a	result	of	legislative	efforts	to	remove	
Pb from petrol. Efforts began in 1996 when the 
Pb content in leaded petrol was reduced and then 
even more reduced in 2003. Finally, in 2006 leaded 
petrol was completely removed from use (personal 
communication by Croatia in 2017).

The Czech Republic explained that a decrease in 
Pb emissions since the year 2000 is due to the ban on 
leaded fuel in 2001 (personal communication by the 
Czech Republic in 2017).

Latvia's Pb emissions, in comparison with the year 
1990,	had	decreased	by	99 %	in	2016.	The	most	
significant emission decrease occurred in 2011, due to 
a change of the furnace type used in metal production 
(see	Latvia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Portugal stated that the Pb emissions registered from 
1990	to	2016	show	a	downwards	trend,	falling	by	93 %.	
This is mainly a result of the reduction in emissions from 
road transport, due to the phasing out of leaded petrol 
within	the	EU	(see	Portugal's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

'2C1 — Iron and steel production', '1A2b — Stationary 
combustion in manufacturing industries and 
construction: Non-ferrous metals' and '1A3bvi — 
Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear' 
were the leading key categories for Pb emissions in 
2016,	together	making	up	48 %	of	total	Pb	emissions	
(see Figure 3.12(a)).

The largest relative reductions in emissions between 
1990 and 2016 were from the fifth most important 
key category, '1A1a — Public electricity and head 
production'	(-81%),	and	the	most	important	key	
category,	'2C1	—	Iron	and	steel	production'	(-76 %).	
The third most important key category, '1A3bvi 
— Road	transport:	Automobile	tyre	and	brake	wear',	
has increased	by	32 %	since	1990.

The peak in the category '1A2b — Stationary 
combustion in manufacturing industries and 
construction: Non-ferrous metals' in 2008 was mainly 
caused by the high emissions reported by Bulgaria 
for that year.

EU total emissions of Pb have declined to less than 
a 10th	of	the	emissions	in	1990.	This	is	primarily	
because countries reduced emissions from the 'road 
transport' sector. The promotion of unleaded petrol 
within the EU through a combination of fiscal and 
regulatory measures has been a notable success story. 
EU Member States and other EEA member countries 
have now phased out the use of leaded petrol. In the 
EU, the Directive on the Quality of Petrol and Diesel 
Fuels (98/70/EC) regulated that goal (EEA, 2017d).

Figure 3.12(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For Pb, common major emission sources are the 
sectors 'energy use in industry', 'industrial processes 
and product use', 'road transport' and 'commercial, 
institutional and households'.

68

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.15  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Pb

Pb (Mg)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015-
2016

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990 2016

Germany

2 285

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

 217

 254

 440

 540

 43

 305

 129

 205

 151

 17

 187

 366

 330

 50

 229

 25

 86

 76

4 291 1 474

 742

 371

 305

 100

 472

 839

 160

88

44

0.4

 332

 483

 578

 15

 76

 343

2 631

 353

53

19

0.5

 153

 477

 796

 31

 65

 192

 893

 32

 14

 105

 274

 277

 49

 95

 19

 37

 34

 279

 429

 299

 21

 20

 14

 73

 121

 56

 29

 38

 16

 36

 22

 16

 39

 61

8.1

 31

 26

 12

 39

 21

 16

 28

 65

7.9

 30

 22

 12

 39

 20

 16

 28

 67

7.3

 27

 22

 11

 34

 17

 17

 25

 70

8.4

 25

 23

 11

 40

 16

 16

 22

 79

7.9

 25

 23

 11

 36

 17

 15

 29

 73

8.0

 26

 20

 11

 28

 15

 16

 27

 67

8.0

 27

 17

 11

 32

 16

 170

 132

 123

 122

 119

 115

 108

 111

 304

 238

 238

 229

 225

 231

 237

 234

 25

9.9

 19

 19

8.2

 17

 16

9.2

 16

 15

8.9

 15

 14

8.3

 15

 16

7.9

 14

 15

8.2

 14

8.3

8.9

 13

5.1

1.3

0.7

 27

3.2

1.5

4.0

 30

3.0

1.2

3.8

 38

3.5

2.9

1.7

2.6

 22

5.1

3.0

1.9

10

 16

3.3

3.0

1.4

3.4

 14

2.8

2.8

1.5

4.5

9.0

2.7

2.7

1.6

1.3

8.6

2.7

2.3

1.5

0.8

8.9

 408

 403

 417

 417

 428

 417

 427

 421

 418

 54

 49

 49

 36

 44

 67

 59

9.0

 41

 43

 39

8.4

 41

 43

 37

8.6

 41

 40

 35

8.0

 41

 37

 29

7.6

 41

 37

 34

7.0

 41

 40

 39

6.9

 40

 39

 45

7.0

 520

 174

 152

 150

 150

 136

 147

 157

 153

 22

 14

 13

 11

 11

 10

 11

 10

 11

4 285 2 000

 956

 287

 268

 266

 268

 259

 262

 259

 272

235

128

156

170

164

2 909 1 549

 167

 123

 73

 72

 76

 71

 78

 77

 64

EU-28 (a)

22 703 10 749 4 402 2 323 1 929 1 720 1 711 1 647 1 686 1 673 1 661

EU-28 (b)

22 703 10 749 4 402 2 323 1 929 1 720 1 711 1 647 1 686 1 673 1 661

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

-93

-89

-85

-99

-38

-94

-91

-84

-89

-97

-90

-98

-99

-92

-94

-99

-97

-97

>	100

-97

-13

-93

>	100

-42

-98

-94

-97

-98

-93

1.1

-7.1

-8.5

0.0

4.3

-15.0

0.7

14.2

6.8

3.0

-1.5

-45.7

8.4

-2.9

5.2

0.3

-12.1

-4.1

-44.2

3.7

-0.6

-1.8

-2.6

15.8

1.3

-2.2

7.3

-16.3

-0.7

1.0

1.1

1.9

2.4

0.2

1.3

0.6

0.9

0.7

18.9

10.1

2.1

3.7

0.7

0.9

1.6

4.0

0.5

1.6

1.0

0.7

2.0

1.0

6.7

14.1

0.5

0.5

0.8

18.9

16.4

1.0

0.4

0.2

0.0

1.5

2.1

2.5

0.1

0.3

1.5

11.6

1.6

12.8

100

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.5

25.2

2.4

2.3

2.7

0.4

9.2

0.7

3.9

100

69

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.12 

Pb emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(b)

Waste
2 %

Agriculture
0 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
7 %  

Industrial
processes and
product use
29 %  

Non-road
transport
1 % 

Energy use 
in industry
32 % 

Road transport
17 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
12 %   

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2C1 Iron and steel production

1A2b Stationary comb. in manuf. ind. and constr.: 
Non-ferrous metals

1A3bvi Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear

1A2a Stationary comb. in manuf. ind. and constr.: 
Iron and steel

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

(a)

Mg

1 400

1 200

1 000

 800

 600

 400

 200

 0

(c)

Mg

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

70

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.13  Cadmium (Cd) emission trends and 

key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, Cd emissions decreased 
by	65 %	in	the	EU.	Between	2015	and	2016,	they	
increased	by	2 %	(Table 3.16),	mainly	because	
emissions increased in Belgium, Poland, France and 
Italy (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution to the absolute change). The Member 
States	that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	

to	Cd emissions	in	2016	were	Poland	and	Germany	
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 
share in the EU total).

'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary', '2C1 — Iron and steel 
production' and '2C7a — Copper production' were 
the principal key categories for Cd emissions, making 
up	36 %	of	total	Cd	emissions	(see	Figure 3.13(a)).	
Among the top five key categories, the highest relative 
reductions in emissions between 1990 and 2016 

Table 3.16  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Cd

Member  
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

Cd (Mg)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

1.7

6.2

5.5

1.2

0.1

4.0

1.2

4.5

6.5

21

30

1.9

1.7

0.6

10

0.9

0.4

0.1

0.2

2.1

19

6.4

3.0

8.6

0.8

37

2.3

23

1.1

5.1

3.7

0.9

0.1

2.0

0.7

2.2

2.0

18

20

2.1

1.5

0.5

9.5

0.8

0.4

0.1

0.4

1.1

23

6.7

3.1

9.7

0.5

31

0.8

12

1.0

2.8

3.7

0.9

0.1

1.6

0.6

0.8

1.3

14

19

1.8

1.7

0.6

9.0

0.9

0.4

0.1

0.5

1.0

17

6.5

3.2

6.9

0.6

20

0.6

6.4

1.1

2.1

3.2

1.1

0.1

1.5

0.7

0.8

1.3

5.9

13

1.9

1.2

0.3

8.3

1.1

0.4

0.1

0.0

1.8

14

7.3

3.8

6.3

0.7

12

0.6

4.2

 94

 94

1.2

2.0

1.4

1.0

0.1

1.3

0.7

0.9

1.3

3.3

13

2.0

1.5

0.3

7.1

1.0

0.4

0.1

0.0

2.6

13

4.9

3.5

1.3

0.7

7.4

0.6

3.5

 76

 76

1.2

1.7

1.6

0.9

0.1

1.3

0.6

0.9

1.3

3.1

13

1.6

1.6

0.2

6.8

0.6

0.4

0.1

0.0

1.2

13

3.7

3.4

1.1

0.7

7.5

0.6

3.7

 73

 73

1.2

1.5

1.5

0.9

0.1

1.2

0.6

0.8

1.2

2.9

13

1.7

1.6

0.3

7.0

0.8

0.4

0.1

0.0

0.9

13

3.3

3.3

1.1

0.6

7.5

0.6

3.3

 71

 71

1.3

1.5

1.5

0.9

0.0

1.2

0.6

1.0

1.1

3.0

13

1.4

1.7

0.3

6.6

0.6

0.4

0.1

0.0

0.7

13

4.9

3.0

1.1

0.6

6.7

0.6

3.4

 70

 70

1.2

1.2

2.4

0.8

0.0

1.2

0.6

0.9

0.9

3.1

13

2.0

1.5

0.3

6.6

0.6

0.4

0.1

0.0

0.6

12

4.9

3.0

1.2

0.6

6.9

0.6

3.8

 70

 70

1.2

1.6

1.5

0.9

0.1

1.2

0.7

0.7

0.9

2.8

13

2.0

1.5

0.3

6.4

0.6

0.4

0.1

0.0

0.6

12

4.6

3.0

1.2

0.6

7.2

0.5

3.8

 70

 70

1.2

2.8

1.7

0.8

0.1

1.1

0.7

0.8

1.0

3.3

13

1.4

1.5

0.3

6.8

0.6

0.3

0.1

0.0

0.7

13

3.6

3.0

1.4

0.6

7.0

0.5

3.5

 71

 71

-28

-56

-69

-29

-36

-72

-39

-82

-85

-84

-58

-25

-11

-49

-32

-41

-11

-13

-98

-70

-32

-44

3

-84

-21

-81

-77

-85

-65

-0.1

70.5

14.6

-4.8

4.1

-3.9

3.6

8.4

5.3

18.4

0.1

-27.9

-0.3

-0.4

5.8

-2.4

-2.1

1.1

80.5

2.9

6.6

-22.7

2.4

17.3

3.2

-1.8

-0.5

-7.1

2.0

0.9

3.1

2.7

0.6

0.0

2.0

0.6

2.2

3.2

10.3

15.1

0.9

0.9

0.3

5.0

0.5

0.2

0.0

0.1

1.1

9.6

3.2

1.5

4.3

0.4

18.6

1.2

11.6

100

1.7

3.9

2.4

1.2

0.1

1.6

1.0

1.1

1.4

4.7

18.2

2.0

2.1

0.4

9.6

0.8

0.5

0.1

0.0

0.9

18.5

5.0

4.3

2.0

0.8

9.9

0.8

4.9

100

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

 201

 159

 123

 201

 159

 123

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

71

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

were in the fifth most important, '1A1a — Public 
electricity	and	heat	production'	(-80 %),	and	the	second	
most important, '2C1 — Iron and steel production' 
(-67 %).	In the	most	important	key	category,	'1A4bi	
— Residential: Stationary',  the values of reported 
emissions	increased	since	1990	(23 %).

As they have for Pb, industrial sources of Cd emissions 
have decreased since the early 1990s in all Member 
States. This is largely because abatement technologies 

for waste water treatment and incinerators have 
improved, and so have metal refining and smelting 
facilities (EEA, 2017d).

Figure 3.13(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For Cd,	common	leading	emission	sources	are	the	
energy sectors, 'industrial processes and product use' 
and the 'commercial, institutional and households' 
sector.

Figure 3.13 

Cd emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 
1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(b)

Waste
4 %

Agriculture
1 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
13 %  

Industrial
processes and
product use
29 %  

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Road
transport
3 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
21 %   

Energy use 
in industry
29 % 

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2C1 Iron and steel production

2C7a Copper production
1A2b Stationary comb. in manuf. ind. and constr.: 
Non-ferrous metals

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

(a)

Mg

 30

 25

 20

 15

 10

 5

 0

(c)

Mg

250

200

150

100

50

0

72

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.14  Mercury (Hg) emission trends and 

key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, Hg emissions dropped by 
71 %	in	the	EU.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	decrease	
was	3 %	(see	Table 3.17),	mainly	because	of	reduced	
emissions in the United Kingdom, Greece (gap-filled 
data), France and Italy (countries ranked according to 
the size of their contribution to the absolute change). 
The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 

than	10 %)	to	Hg	emissions	in	2016	were	Poland,	
Germany and Italy (countries ranked according to the 
percentage of their share in the EU total).

T'1A1a — Public electricity and heat production' 
and '2C1 — Iron and steel production' and '1A4bi — 
Residential: Stationary' were the main key categories 
for	Hg	emissions,	making	up	53 %	of	the	total	
(see Figure 3.14(a)).	Among	the	top	five	key	categories,	
the highest relative reduction in emissions between 

Table 3.17  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Hg

Hg (Mg)

Change  (%) 

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2.2

5.7

2.5

1.2

0.1

5.0

3.2

1.2

1.1

25

36

2.7

3.1

0.8

15

0.3

0.3

0.4

0.4

3.6

14

3.4

1.0

20

0.3

12

1.5

1.2

3.1

1.9

0.3

0.1

4.3

2.3

0.6

0.8

20

20

2.6

2.5

0.7

14

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.5

1.5

12

3.7

1.4

5.4

0.2

14

1.0

0.9

3.0

1.5

0.5

0.1

3.4

1.0

0.6

0.6

12

18

2.8

2.2

0.4

14

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.6

1.1

10

3.4

1.8

5.7

0.2

9

0.7

38

 199

 199

20

 136

 136

8.4

 103

 103

1.0

2.0

1.6

0.6

0.1

3.5

0.7

0.6

0.9

6.6

14

3.0

1.6

0.4

12

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.0

1.0

10

3.0

2.2

5.5

0.2

7

0.6

7.5

 86

 86

1.0

1.7

0.9

0.6

0.1

3.3

0.4

0.7

0.9

4.4

11

3.6

1.4

0.3

10

0.1

0.2

0.1

0.0

0.6

9.5

2.1

1.7

2.6

0.2

3.9

0.5

6.5

 68

 68

1.0

1.6

0.9

0.5

0.1

3.3

0.4

0.7

0.8

4.6

11

3.4

1.3

0.3

10

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.7

9.6

2.0

1.8

1.6

0.2

4.0

0.5

6.0

 66

 66

1.0

1.3

0.8

0.5

0.1

3.0

0.3

0.6

0.7

4.2

10

2.9

1.2

0.3

11

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.6

9.9

2.0

1.6

1.6

0.2

4.2

0.5

5.7

 65

 65

1.1

1.4

0.8

0.5

0.1

2.8

0.3

0.7

0.8

4.0

9.9

2.6

1.0

0.3

9.7

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.0

0.6

10

1.9

1.4

1.4

0.2

3.7

0.5

6.0

 62

 62

1.0

1.5

0.7

0.5

0.1

2.8

0.3

0.7

0.7

4.4

9.9

2.4

1.0

0.3

10

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.5

9.6

1.9

1.4

1.6

0.2

3.8

0.4

5.4

 62

 62

1.0

1.1

0.8

0.5

0.1

2.7

0.3

0.5

0.6

3.6

10

2.2

1.0

0.3

9.3

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.6

11

2.1

1.5

1.5

0.2

3.9

0.4

4.8

 60

 60

1.0

1.4

0.8

0.5

0.1

2.7

0.3

0.6

0.6

3.2

9.8

1.7

1.2

0.3

8.9

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.0

0.6

10

1.9

1.4

1.7

0.2

3.9

0.4

4.0

 58

 58

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

2015- 
2016

-5.6

28.1

6.3

1.6

1.0

-2.1

15.4

12.3

-4.6

-10.8

-2.5

-24.1

11.5

-0.8

-3.9

24.5

-0.8

53.6

-19.9

8.6

-2.1

-7.8

-2.8

1.1

2.9

1.3

0.6

0.0

2.5

1.6

0.6

0.6

12.4

17.9

1.3

1.6

0.4

7.7

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

1.8

7.0

1.7

0.5

17.7

10.1

3.6

-1.2

0.7

0.2

5.8

0.8

1.6

2.4

1.4

0.9

0.2

4.6

0.6

1.1

1.0

5.6

16.9

2.9

2.0

0.6

15.4

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.0

1.0

17.9

3.3

2.5

3.0

0.3

6.7

0.7

1990- 
2016

-56

-76

-68

-57

-2

-46

-90

-47

-46

-87

-72

-38

-63

-59

-41

-65

-69

-71

-99

-83

-25

-45

38

-91

-48

-67

-73

-90

-17.8

19.0

6.9

-71%

-3% 100% 100%

73

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

1990 and 2016 was in the fourth most important, '1A2f 
— Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries 
and	construction:	Non-metallic	minerals'	(-68 %).The	
most important key category, '1A1a — Public electricity 
and	heat	production'	(-66 %)	and	the	third	most	
important,	'1A4bi	—	Residential:	Stationary'	(-54	%)	
also show	high	reductions.

The decrease in Hg emissions since 1990 in the 
industrial sector is mainly due to improving emission 

controls on Hg cells and replacing them with 
diaphragm or membrane cells, and switching from 
coal to gas and other energy sources in the power- and 
heat-generating sectors in many countries (EEA, 2017d).

Figure 3.14(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For Hg, principal emission sources are the energy 
sectors and the sector 'industrial processes and 
product use'.

Figure 3.14  Hg emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 

1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Mg

17

13

8

4

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2C1 Iron and steel production

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

1A2f Stationary comb. in manuf. ind. and constr.: 
Non-metallic minerals

1A4ai Commercial/institutional: Stationary

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

  70

  60

  50

  40

  30

  20

  10

  0

(b)

Waste
7 %

Agriculture
0 %

Other
0 %

Industrial
processes and
product use
19 %  

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Road transport
3 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
12 %   

Energy use 
in industry
20 % 

Energy
production and
distribution
39 %  

(c)

Mg

250

200

150

100

50

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.14(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'1A1a	Public	electricity	and	heat	production'.

74

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.15  Arsenic (As) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, As emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	67 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
decreased	by	4.4 %,	mainly	because	emissions	
decreased in Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom 
(countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(see Table 3.18).	

The Member States that contributed most 
(i.e. more than	10 %)	to	As	emissions	in	2016	were	
Italy, Slovakia and Poland (countries ranked according 
to the percentage of their share in the EU total). 
Austria, Luxembourg and Slovenia did not provide 
emission data for As. Therefore, the EU total is an 
underestimate.

Table 3.18  Member State contributions to EU emissions of As

As (Mg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

6.3

25

8.6

0.1

69

1.3

19

35

17

87

2.6

4.2

1.6

37

17

0.5

NR

0.1

1.3

36

2.9

2.7

78

NR

15

5.6

NR

6.0

15

1.2

0.2

17

0.8

10

5.2

17

11

2.9

3.3

1.7

27

8.6

0.2

NR

0.2

0.9

36

3.1

4.1

23

NR

14

1.5

NR

3.5

7.4

1.0

0.2

3.8

0.8

8.6

4.3

15

10

3.2

3.1

1.7

46

15

0.1

NR

0.2

0.9

31

3.1

5.7

4.5

NR

19

0.8

NR

2.9

16

1.1

0.2

2.1

0.5

9.2

2.9

12

8.8

3.4

2.6

1.5

40

17

0.1

NR

0.0

1.3

33

3.1

6.8

21

NR

18

0.9

NR

1.8

3.4

0.8

0.1

1.7

0.3

11

3.4

7.5

9.3

2.5

2.3

1.2

45

16

0.1

NR

0.0

0.6

31

1.7

5.1

21

NR

13

0.9

NR

1.6

4.1

0.6

0.2

1.5

0.3

11

2.9

6.5

9.1

2.3

2.3

1.2

46

0.1

0.1

NR

0.0

1.0

31

1.6

5.7

22

NR

14

0.9

NR

1.4

2.9

0.6

0.2

1.4

0.2

9.6

2.6

6.1

8.9

2.6

2.2

1.3

45

0.1

0.1

NR

0.0

0.8

30

1.8

4.8

19

NR

15

0.9

NR

1.3

2.8

0.5

0.1

1.6

0.3

11

2.7

6.3

9.0

2.2

1.9

1.2

44

0.1

0.1

NR

0.0

0.7

29

1.7

4.3

13

NR

12

0.9

NR

1.0

4.3

0.4

0.1

1.3

0.3

10

2.7

5.5

8.7

3.6

2.0

1.2

45

0.1

0.1

NR

0.0

0.7

31

1.7

4.3

24

NR

14

0.9

NR

1.1

3.0

0.5

0.1

1.5

0.2

7.8

2.4

5.3

8.7

3.3

2.2

1.3

46

0.2

0.1

NR

0.0

0.6

31

1.8

4.5

28

NR

15

0.7

NR

0.9

3.6

0.4

0.1

1.4

0.3

9.0

2.5

5.7

8.7

2.5

2.0

1.3

38

0.2

0.1

NR

0.0

0.7

28

1.6

4.4

31

NR

14

0.7

51

38

25

19

16

16

17

18

18

17

15

 524

 249

 214

 222

 196

 182

 175

 166

 180

 181

 173

 524

 249

 214

 222

 196

 182

 175

 166

 180

 181

 173

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-85

-85

-95

7

-98

-78

-52

-93

-67

-90

-5

-53

-23

4

-99

-88

-98

-45

-23

-44

61

-61

-3

-88

-71

-67

-18.5

21.0

-16.7

4.7

-5.3

19.2

15.9

5.0

6.6

1.2

4.7

1.6

0.0

13.2

0.2

3.6

6.6

3.3

-0.5

16.6

0.5

2.1

0.2

0.1

0.8

0.2

5.2

1.5

3.3

5.0

1.4

1.2

0.7

22.3

0.1

0.0

0.0

0.4

16.4

0.9

2.5

0.5

0.8

0.3

7.0

3.2

0.1

0.0

0.2

7.0

0.6

0.5

14.9

17.7

2.8

1.1

9.8

100

8.2

0.4

8.8

100

-23.6

-9.0

-0.1

-16.1

19.0

-13.9

-4.5

8.8

-7.9

-10.6

-1.8

11.3

-3.4

-3.2

-9.7

-4.4

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

75

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.16  Chromium (Cr) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, Cr emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	72 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
increased	by	0.5 %	(see	Table 3.19),	mainly	because	
emissions increased in Finland,  Germany, Poland and 
Estonia (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution to the absolute change). The Member 

States	that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	
Cr emissions	in	2016	were	Germany	and	Italy	(countries	
ranked according to the percentage of their share in 
the EU total). Austria, Luxembourg and Slovenia did not 
provide emission data for Cr. Therefore, the EU total is 
an underestimate.

Table 3.19  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Cr

Cr (Mg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

1990

1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

33

21

5.3

0.2

28

6.0

18

46

NR

28

10

3.7

0.2

18

3.1

10

29

392

170

190

101

6.5

17

4.5

87

2.4

2.7

NR

0.6

12

85

12

6.4

58

NR

25

23

7.1

12

4.5

69

1.8

1.1

NR

0.9

8.5

60

14

10

7.4

NR

27

12

NR

19

7.5

3.1

0.3

13

1.6

8.4

27

104

90

7.6

12

4.9

44

2.1

0.7

NR

1.2

5.0

38

14

15

5.3

NR

27

7.1

NR

17

9.8

3.7

0.3

14

1.7

9.1

19

45

83

8.0

12

3.5

49

2.5

0.5

NR

0.0

4.3

33

15

19

5.0

NR

27

10

NR

13

5.3

2.6

0.2

13

1.7

11

25

28

80

8.0

11

2.7

43

2.3

0.4

NR

0.1

3.8

35

12

13

4.5

NR

19

5.4

NR

12

5.8

2.6

0.3

13

1.6

10

16

24

81

8.9

12

2.5

43

1.1

0.4

NR

0.0

3.7

35

12

12

4.3

NR

19

6.8

NR

11

5.4

2.4

0.3

12

1.5

9.2

17

23

80

9.4

11

2.5

42

1.3

0.4

NR

0.1

3.7

35

11

12

4.5

NR

18

5.3

NR

6.2

5.3

2.2

0.2

12

1.6

11

17

23

79

7.8

7.9

2.4

39

1.2

0.4

NR

0.1

3.6

33

11

11

4.7

NR

16

5.3

NR

5.9

5.7

2.0

0.2

12

1.6

9.9

22

20

81

15

8.8

2.4

38

1.2

5.1

NR

0.0

3.5

32

11

12

4.8

NR

16

4.9

NR

5.9

6.3

2.2

0.2

12

1.7

7.6

16

21

82

15

11

2.5

38

1.1

4.9

NR

0.0

3.4

33

11

12

4.7

NR

18

5.8

NR

6.1

6.7

2.0

0.2

12

1.7

8.7

17

21

83

13

9.5

2.5

39

1.1

4.8

NR

0.1

3.7

34

11

12

4.9

NR

17

6.0

164

1 226

1 226

118

 747

 747

77

 536

 536

40

27

26

25

26

26

26

25

 432

 367

 352

 344

 328

 342

 340

 342

 432

 367

 352

 344

 328

 342

 340

 342

Change  (%) 

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in 
 EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-82

-68

-62

29

-57

-71

-53

-63

-95

-51

96

-46

-45

-56

-55

75

-91

-69

-60

-13

91

-91

-32

-75

-85

-72

4.7

6.2

-5.7

4.4

1.2

2.5

14.2

9.1

4.2

1.7

-18.0

-15.9

1.1

1.5

-0.1

-2.7

20.4

7.6

3.8

-5.1

-0.1

3.3

-2.7

2.1

-2.1

0.5

2.7

1.7

0.4

0.0

2.2

0.5

1.5

3.7

32.0

13.8

0.5

1.4

0.4

7.1

0.2

0.2

0.0

1.0

6.9

1.0

0.5

4.7

2.0

1.9

1.8

2.0

0.6

0.1

3.5

0.5

2.5

5.0

6.3

24.4

3.7

2.8

0.7

11.3

0.3

1.4

0.0

1.1

9.9

3.2

3.6

1.4

5.0

1.7

13.4

100

7.3

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

76

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Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.17  Copper (Cu) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, Cu emissions in the EU 
increased	by	8 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
increased	by	0.9 %,	mainly	because	emissions	increased	
in	Germany,	Slovakia	and	Spain	(countries ranked	

according to the size of their contribution to the 
absolute	change)	(see	Table 3.20).	The	Member	State	
that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	Cu	
emissions in 2016 was Germany. Austria, Luxembourg 
and Slovenia did not provide emission data for Cu. 
Therefore, the EU total is an underestimate.

Table 3.20  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Cu

Cu (Mg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

40

107

9.0

1.3

65

33

11

170

222

NR

40

77

6.0

1.7

45

37

5.6

130

217

NR

39

58

7.2

2.2

43

40

4.3

78

NR

36

100

8.9

2.4

63

42

5.4

58

NR

34

22

7.8

2.4

59

43

5.8

50

NR

33

24

7.6

2.4

59

43

5.9

51

NR

32

24

7.4

2.3

58

42

5.7

47

NR

30

23

8.2

2.0

58

42

5.9

47

NR

29

24

7.7

2.0

60

41

6.0

45

NR

30

25

8.1

2.1

61

43

5.5

40

NR

31

26

8.4

2.2

62

43

5.8

41

218

220

211

216

207

209

206

208

208

Germany

1 884 2 023 2 205 2 212 2 271 2 314 2 299 2 309 2 360 2 404 2 443

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

23

14

10

27

11

11

30

12

19

35

14

22

36

15

19

33

14

19

27

14

18

27

13

18

32

14

19

31

15

20

29

16

20

190

214

215

222

192

193

183

175

182

177

176

2.6

9.3

NR

0.6

37

1.6

4.7

NR

0.7

38

1.6

4.4

NR

0.8

39

2.2

5.1

NR

0.9

41

2.2

5.9

NR

1.0

45

1.9

5.7

NR

1.0

43

1.9

5.7

NR

1.0

43

2.0

5.7

NR

1.0

43

2.1

5.7

NR

1.0

43

2.2

5.5

NR

1.1

45

2.3

5.1

NR

1.1

41

300

323

300

331

331

329

324

312

324

330

317

23

4.6

89

NR

29

4.4

50

NR

38

4.8

22

NR

130

152

220

65

51

46

39

19

47

NR

236

37

36

19

49

NR

218

38

34

20

48

NR

212

38

31

21

43

NR

216

38

31

20

30

NR

190

38

31

20

41

NR

207

38

32

21

50

NR

215

39

31

22

57

NR

219

39

150

116

86

68

56

60

55

54

55

55

51

3 592 3 616 3 732 3 868 3 769 3 806 3 744 3 693 3 796 3 864 3 897

3 592 3 616 3 732 3 868 3 769 3 806 3 744 3 693 3 796 3 864 3 897

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015-
2016

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-24

-76

-6

62

-5

31

-47

-76

-6

30

23

12

98

-7

-13

-46

100

13

5

34

>	100

1.5

1.9

4.1

4.1

1.6

-0.6

6.0

2.5

0.1

1.6

-5.4

6.1

2.9

-0.2

4.5

-7.5

5.2

-8.6

-4.0

-1.0

6.2

-36

13.6

68

-39

-66

8

1.6

1.7

-6.6

0.9

1.1

3.0

0.3

0.0

1.8

0.9

0.3

4.7

6.2

0.8

0.7

0.2

0.1

1.6

1.1

0.1

1.1

5.3

52.4

62.7

0.7

0.4

0.3

5.3

0.1

0.3

0.0

1.0

8.4

0.7

0.1

2.5

3.6

1.8

0.7

0.4

0.5

4.5

0.1

0.1

0.0

1.1

8.1

0.8

0.6

1.5

5.6

1.0

4.2

100

1.3

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

77

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.18  Nickel (Ni) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, Ni emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	72 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
increased	slightly	by	0.2 %,	mainly	because	Slovakia	
and Germany (countries ranked according to the size 

of their contribution to the absolute change) reported 
increased	emissions	(see	Table 3.21).	The	Member	
States	that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	
to Ni emissions in 2016 were Germany, the United 
Kingdom and Poland (countries ranked according 
to the percentage of their share in the EU total). 

Table 3.21  Member State contributions to EU of emissions Ni

Ni (Mg)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

NR

76

33

26

70

28

20

5.9

7.2

55

19

27

77

276

342

43

24

22.3

28

13

10

46

218

212

48

31

27

NR

34

7.9

17

9.9

14

7.6

6.5

34

178

169

51

21

34

NR

27

24

20

12

12

7.2

6.4

26

142

180

57

7.4

27

115

111

106

111

15

28

NR

8.3

73

175

109

35

33

NR

8.5

13

NR

13

84

163

112

35

11

NR

6.8

5.9

NR

17

19

121

100

31

13

NR

6.5

4.3

NR

0.2

10

105

95

26

14

NR

NR

9.2

6.8

15

7.1

8

4.7

6.6

23

86

NR

8.7

7.1

12

8.9

7

4.1

6.4

20

75

NR

6.0

5.4

10

9.4

6.2

3.9

5.7

19

63

NR

4.5

5.6

7.5

5.2

5.6

3.8

6.5

17

47

NR

4.2

5.9

6.6

5.2

5.6

3.2

6.1

17

43

NR

4.2

5.7

8.3

5.3

5.4

3.0

4.7

16

39

NR

3.9

5.8

7.8

5.7

5.1

2.9

5.4

16

34

157

145

142

138

131

138

145

61

6.7

14

40

5.8

3.8

NR

0.4

2.1

98

45

12

13

NR

57

7.6

11

38

0.5

2.7

NR

0.2

2.4

92

38

13

12

NR

99

11

60

6.5

10

36

1.0

3.4

NR

0.3

2.1

87

33

11

12

NR

81

9.6

50

5.9

9.5

32

0.5

2.4

NR

0.4

2.0

78

27

8.6

13

NR

61

8.5

34

5.8

8.5

31

0.4

2.1

NR

0.1

1.8

75

23

8.8

13

NR

57

7.1

40

5.5

8.4

31

0.4

1.8

NR

0.1

2.0

82

23

8.5

13

NR

57

6.1

37

5.2

8.5

30

0.4

1.2

NR

0.2

2.2

82

22

8.0

21

NR

57

6.1

190

216

228

201

114

29

28

16

16

14

324

331

191

153

128

102

119

127

127

92

88

2 159 1 888 1 438 1 290

 880

 781

 743

 668

 625

 601

 602

2 159 1 888 1 438 1 290

 880

 781

 743

 668

 625

 601

 602

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU28 (%)

1990

2016

-95

-82

-70

-3

-91

-84

-80

-80

-88

-58

-13

-78

-62

-73

-97

-96

-97

-97

-53

-79

-77

-38

-70

-79

-73

-72

-6.5

2.3

-4.9

7.1

-5.0

-3.7

14.2

-2.5

-10.8

4.8

-7.5

-5.1

1.4

-2.2

11.6

-31.5

131.2

10.8

0.9

-3.7

-5.1

59.7

0.3

1.1

-4.5

0.2

3.5

1.5

1.2

0.3

2.6

0.9

1.3

3.6

12.8

15.8

2.0

1.1

1.0

5.3

0.7

1.3

0.4

3.4

8.1

5.0

1.6

1.5

8.8

1.4

0.7

1.0

1.3

0.9

0.8

0.5

0.9

2.6

5.7

24.1

6.2

0.9

1.4

5.1

0.1

0.2

0.0

0.4

13.7

3.7

1.3

3.4

9.5

1.0

15.0

100

14.7

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

78

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Austria Luxembourg and Slovenia did not provide 
emission data for Ni. Therefore, the EU total is an 
underestimate.

In Bulgaria, Ni emissions in 2000 and 2001 were much 
lower than in the years before and after, because 
Ni emissions from primary Cu production decreased 
(personal communication by Bulgaria in 2012).

3.19  Selenium (Se) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, Se emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	34 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
decreased	by	3 %,	mainly	because	emissions	decreased	
in the United Kingdom and Greece (gap-filled data) 
(countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution	to	the	absolute	change)	(see	Table 3.22).	

The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	Se	emissions	in	2016	were	Portugal,	
Bulgaria and the Czech Republic (countries ranked 
according to the percentage of their share in the 
EU total). Austria, Luxembourg, Poland and Slovenia 
did not provide emission data for Se. Therefore, 
the EU total is an underestimate.

In 2005, Belgium reported high Se emissions in the 
category '2A3 — Glass production'. This occurred 
because of one glass plant in Wallonia. The plant 
gives annual emissions based on measurements, 
and the concentration of Se was very high in 2005 
(personal communication by Belgium in 2014). 
Likewise, Belgium's high emissions in 2010 are 
mainly attributable to the operations of a particular 
company in the glass industry in Wallonia (personal 
communication by Belgium in 2012).

79

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.22  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Se

Se (Mg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

5.0

41

0.5

0.1

33

4.2

0.0

1.7

15

7.0

14

6.5

8.8

10

0.4

0.5

NR

0.0

0.4

NE

12

6.0

11

NR

9.7

0.9

NR

6.3

12

0.3

0.1

29

3.9

0.0

0.3

15

12

14

5.8

6.5

11

0.3

0.3

NR

0.0

0.3

NE

17

8.7

12

NR

11

1.1

NR

6.4

5.2

0.3

0.1

28

2.3

0.0

0.4

16

10

17

5.8

5.1

12

0.2

0.2

NR

0.0

0.5

NE

23

12

9.8

NR

13

1.0

NR

27

13

0.4

0.1

30

1.4

0.0

0.4

15

7.6

17

4.1

4.7

12

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

2.6

NE

27

13

12

NR

13

1.1

NR

11

14

0.4

0.1

26

1.3

0.0

0.6

13

9.2

15

3.5

4.0

11

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

1.5

NE

30

12

14

NR

9.8

1.2

NR

3.9

16

0.3

0.1

25

1.0

0.0

0.5

13

9.5

15

3.7

3.8

11

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

0.8

NE

30

14

13

NR

9.8

1.2

NR

3.5

15

0.3

0.1

24

0.7

0.0

0.7

12

9.2

16

3.6

4.0

11

0.1

0.2

NR

0.1

0.8

NE

32

12

13

NR

10

1.2

NR

3.6

16

0.3

0.1

23

1.0

0.0

0.4

12

9.2

14

3.5

4.0

11

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

0.5

NE

32

10

11

NR

9.0

1.2

NR

4.3

19

0.4

0.1

22

0.9

0.0

0.4

12

9.2

13

3.4

3.6

10

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

0.8

NE

32

10

11

NR

9.7

1.1

NR

4.1

20

0.3

0.1

22

0.7

0.0

0.4

12

9.2

11

3.4

3.8

12

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

1.0

NE

32

10

14

NR

10

1.1

NR

4.1

22

0.4

0.1

22

0.7

0.0

0.4

12

9.3

8.9

3.3

3.6

12

0.1

0.2

NR

0.0

0.6

NE

32

10

15

NR

10

1.1

78

50

33

34

17

17

20

17

16

14

8.8

 265

 217

 201

 236

 196

 191

 190

 178

 181

 182

 176

 265

 217

 201

 236

 196

 191

 190

 178

 181

 182

 176

Change (%) 

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

0.5

1.9

2.3

10.7

15.5

12.7

0.2

0.0

0.2

0.1

12.3

12.7

-18

-45

-23

11

-31

-84

74

-77

-23

33

-36

-50

-59

16

-85

-66

>	100

68

38

4

15

-89

-34

8.0

3.8

2.1

-8.4

-1.2

-11.2

-3.5

1.9

-22.3

-3.9

-5.5

-0.7

5.8

-1.2

0.0

-2.9

7.2

-3.5

2.0

>	100

65

-25.5

-34.1

1.6

0.0

0.6

5.8

2.7

5.2

2.5

3.3

3.8

0.2

0.2

0.0

0.1

4.6

2.3

4.0

3.7

0.4

0.4

0.0

0.2

6.6

5.3

5.0

1.9

2.0

6.6

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.4

18.0

5.8

8.3

5.7

0.6

5.0

100

-35.1

-3.0

29.3

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

80

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.20  Zinc (Zn) emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, Zn emissions in the EU 
dropped	by	36 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	
increased	by	0.5 %,	mainly	because	Germany,	Italy,	
France and Slovakia (countries ranked according to 
the size of their contribution to the absolute change) 

reported	increased	emissions	(see	Table 3.23).	The	
Member States that contributed most (i.e. more than 
10 %)	to	Zn	emissions	in	2016	were	Germany,	Italy	and	
Poland (countries ranked according to the percentage 
of their share in the EU total). Austria, Luxembourg 
and Slovenia did not provide emission data for Zn. 
Therefore, the EU total is an underestimate.

Table 3.23  Member State contributions to EU emissions of Zn

Zn (Mg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NR

235

181

39

3.8

119

72

106

687

NR

189

106

32

4.7

89

65

63

NR

183

257

31

6.0

76

55

49

409

135

2 217 1 417 1 004

NR

131

141

37

6.9

87

59

53

124

576

NR

110

94

37

5.3

79

63

62

140

508

NR

103

104

35

5.8

77

61

60

136

500

NR

89

NR

81

NR

81

NR

84

NR

75

104

110

116

110

116

35

5.9

72

58

54

138

502

35

4.4

67

59

62

134

487

32

4.6

68

58

57

140

473

35

4.6

67

61

46

127

480

34

4.8

64

63

52

135

495

Germany

1 687 1 692 1 847 1 854 1 918 1 945 1 929 1 946 1 974 2 015 2 053

Netherlands

224

146

Poland

1 228 1 136

918

832

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

52

69

53

56

51

48

60

54

54

60

48

25

57

55

20

52

65

19

49

69

19

43

64

19

48

57

20

47

60

20

32

60

20

940

927

889

960

887

944

913

856

849

834

864

29

24

NR

0.4

28

17

NR

0.5

73

79

108

NR

376

192

79

88

85

NR

391

145

25

17

NR

0.6

95

30

18

NR

2.0

88

95

97

28

18

NR

2.3

102

848

93

25

17

NR

2.4

93

29

17

NR

2.5

94

26

16

NR

2.1

85

855

872

837

97

96

94

26

16

NR

2.1

112

873

95

24

15

NR

1.4

103

863

96

24

15

NR

1.1

100

837

97

100

133

128

119

122

116

117

116

119

65

NR

424

100

77

NR

458

107

59

NR

412

111

58

NR

415

102

61

NR

412

101

62

NR

65

NR

67

NR

80

NR

388

397

412

409

93

96

96

92

1 083 1 047

714

516

460

444

417

451

452

468

441

9 878 8 311 7 254 6 520 6 298 6 334 6 261 6 138 6 227 6 253 6 283

9 878 8 311 7 254 6 520 6 298 6 334 6 261 6 138 6 227 6 253 6 283

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-68

-36

-11

26

-46

-12

-51

-80

-78

22

-38

-13

-62

-8

-18

-40

-9.9

5.2

-2.8

5.0

-4.9

3.1

12.2

6.5

3.1

1.9

-31.4

0.0

0.3

3.6

-0.5

-3.4

>	100

-19.2

-55

-32

34

50

-25

9

-52

-59

-36

-3.2

-3.1

1.8

2.0

20.0

-0.8

-4.2

-5.8

0.5

2.4

1.8

0.4

0.0

1.2

0.7

1.1

7.0

22.4

17.1

0.5

0.7

0.5

9.5

0.3

0.2

0.0

2.3

1.2

1.8

0.5

0.1

1.0

1.0

0.8

2.1

7.9

32.7

0.5

1.0

0.3

13.8

0.4

0.2

0.0

1.6

12.4

13.3

0.7

0.8

1.1

3.8

1.9

1.6

1.9

1.3

6.5

1.5

11.0

100

7.0

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

81

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Ireland explained the emission decline after 2000 by 
the closure of Ireland's only steel plant in 2001. From 
1990 to 2001, the main determinant of the trend in 
Zn emissions was metal production. It accounted on 
average	for	48 %	of	national	total	emissions	throughout	
that	period	(see	Ireland's	IIR	2017,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

3.21  Dioxin and furan (PCDD/Fs) emission 

trends and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, PCDD/F emissions dropped 
in	the	EU	by	67 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	
decrease	was	2.8 %	(see	Table 3.24),	mainly	because	
Greece (gap-filled data), Bulgaria, the United Kingdom 
and France (countries ranked according to the 
size of their contribution to the absolute change) 
reported decreased emissions. The Member State 
that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	PCDD/F	
emissions in 2016 was Greece (gap-filled data).

Cyprus explained that its PCDD/F emissions decreased 
by	78 %	from	1990	to	2016	because	a	clinical	
waste incineration plant was terminated in 2003 
and all clinical wastes are subjected to sterilisation 
(see Cyprus's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The Czech republic explained that the decrease between 
2007 and 2009 was due to the installation of new fabric 
filters	in	the	Třinecké	železárny	sinter	plant	(personal	
communication by the Czech Republic in 2018).

The decrease of dioxin emissions in France (1990-2012) 
was due to regulations limiting emissions, especially 
in the fields of waste incineration, industrial energy 
processes (steel and metallurgy) and combustion in 
manufacturing	(see	France's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
The drop in dioxin emissions between 1995 and 2000 
was due to improvements in sinter plants (personal 
communication by France in 2013).

The peak in 2013 represents data reported by Malta 
and seems to be a potential erroneous value reported 
in the category '5C1bv — Cremation'.

The increased PCDD/F emissions  in Slovakia in 2016 
are mainly due to reported emissions in the category 
'1A2gviii — Stationary combustion in manufacturing 
industries and construction: Other'.

In Spain, the decrease in PCDD/F emissions after 1995 
was related to the adaptation of municipal solid waste 
(MSW) incineration facilities with energy recovery 
(included under category '1A1a — Public electricity 
and heat production'), to comply with the maximum 
levels imposed in legislation, and also related to the 
implementation of particle and acid gas abatement 
techniques as from 1996 (personal communication by 
Spain in 2017).

82

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.24  Member State contributions to EU emissions of PCDD/Fs

PCDD/Fs (g I-Teq)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012

2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%) 

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990 2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

124

586

118

48

2.1

92

69

8.1

18

60

406

140

42

2.4

73

50

5.6

19

1 782 1 723

332

806

866

105

62

54

124

157

41

2.6

62

32

6.7

19

557

253

40

66

156

49

0.5

61

27

5.7

14

236

151

43

54

65

33

41

45

75

31

43

49

64

30

47

41

66

26

42

30

56

22

44

31

56

23

44

32

41

20

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.5

46

25

6.4

16

140

128

38

23

6.3

14

131

124

39

22

4.7

15

119

121

39

22

3.7

15

123

122

41

20

4.0

16

117

118

35

22

4.1

14

115

119

27

23

4.0

16

105

119

888 1 046 1 168 1 262 1 219 1 158

1 070 1 346 1 186 1 125

67

44

72

34

60

31

78

30

86

27

89

26

83

25

73

22

82

24

81

21

503

484

404

327

309

268

287

282

269

281

279

26

28

43

1.1

744

328

531

104

323

28

21

34

1.1

68

369

530

122

244

26

22

5.7

1.1

33

271

335

144

29

25

1.7

1.1

31

282

104

182

127

112

19

14

13

15

19

23

2.1

7.8

33

298

171

178

70

17

20

24

2.1

1.0

33

294

107

185

58

18

26

307

95

192

62

17

23

23

1.5

19

22

1.5

0.2 10 620

27

18

21

1.7

0.2

24

16

19

1.7

0.1

23

16

19

2.6

0.1

23

286

282

290

282

77

84

59

83

167

154

156

155

59

17

65

15

63

15

83

16

403

444

190

172

166

171

169

168

172

178

171

67

47

40

42

35

30

27

25

24

23

24

1 377

887

344

256

220

209

211

209

196

194

181

9 183 7 143 4 416 3 644 3 478 3 280 3 220 13 665 3 234 3 076 2 991

9 183 7 143 4 416 3 644 3 478 3 280 3 220 13 665 3 234 3 076 2 991

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

I-Teq, international toxic equivalent.

-65

-95

-66

-58

-78

-71

-67

-50

-13

-94

-85

30

-23

-66

-45

-41

-32

-94

-86

-97

-14

-84

49

-74

-16

-58

-64

-87

-67

0.0

2.9

-27.7

-11.3

10.5

-24.8

4.4

-2.8

9.0

-9.2

0.0

-5.2

-1.6

-12.4

-0.8

-2.9

-1.7

55.9

30.5

-1.1

-2.6

41.1

-0.5

30.1

2.8

-3.7

4.8

-6.8

-2.8

1.3

6.4

1.3

0.5

0.0

1.0

0.7

0.1

0.2

19.4

8.8

9.4

1.1

0.7

5.5

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.0

8.1

3.6

5.8

1.1

3.5

0.2

4.4

0.7

1.5

1.1

1.4

0.7

0.0

0.9

0.8

0.1

0.5

3.5

4.0

37.6

2.7

0.7

9.3

0.5

0.6

0.1

0.0

0.8

9.4

2.8

5.2

2.8

0.5

5.7

0.8

15.0

100

6.0

100

83

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' and '1A1a — Public 
electricity and heat production' were the primary key 
categories for PCDD/F emissions, together making up 
43 %	of	total	PCDD/F	emissions	(see	Figure 3.15(a)).	
Among the top five key categories, the highest 
relative reductions in emissions between 1990 and 
2016 were in the second most important, '1A1a — 
Public	electricity	and	head	production'	(-82 %),	and	

the	fourth most	important,	'2C1	—	Iron	and	steel	
production'	(-69	%).

Figure 3.15(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
The 'waste', 'energy production and distribution' and 
'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
groups are an important source of PCDD/Fs. 

Figure 3.15 

PCDD/F emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key 
categories, 1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(b)

Other
0 %

Waste
28 %

Agriculture
0 %

Industrial
processes and
product use
10 %  

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Energy
production and
distribution
24 %  

Energy use 
in industry
9 % 

Road transport
3 %

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
26 %   

(a)

g I-Teq

3 500

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

 500

 0

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

5C1biii Clinical waste incineration

2C1 Iron and steel production

5E Other waste

(c)

g I-Teq

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 15(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'5E	—	Other	waste'.

84

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.22  Total polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbon (PAH) emission trends 
and key categories

programmes for the reduction of field burning of 
agricultural waste, particularly between 1999 and 2003 
(personal communication	by	Spain	in	2017).

Between 1990 and 2016, total PAH emissions dropped 
in	the	EU	by	83 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	they	
increased	by	3.4 %,	mainly	because	Portugal,	Germany,		
Poland and Spain (countries ranked according to the 
size of their contribution to the absolute change) 
reported	increased	emissions	(see	Table 3.25).	The	
Member State that contributed most (i.e. more than 
10 %)	to	total	PAH	emissions	in	2016	was	Portugal	and	
Spain (countries ranked according to the percentage of 
their share in the EU total).

Belgium explained that the strong decrease in 
PAH emissions in 2000 is due to the installation of 
dust abatement technology in the pig iron tapping 
installations in 1999 in Wallonia (2C1) (personal 
communication by Belgium in 2018).

Spain explained that estimated total PAH emissions 
are mainly driven by '3F — Field burning of agricultural 
residues'. This activity and the related emissions have 
notably decreased due to a progressive abandonment 
of this practice, driven by legislation to prevent 
forest fires, the entry into force of the EU common 
agricultural policy's conditionality rules and mitigation 

'2D3g — Chemical products' was the principal key 
category for these emissions in 2016, making up 
39 % of	total	PAH	emissions	(see	Figure 3.16(a)).	
Among the key categories, the largest change could be 
observed for the third most important key category, 
'3F	—	Field	burning	of	agricultural	residues'	(-97 %).	
On the other hand the most important key category, 
'2D3g	—	Chemical	product',	shows	an	increase		(65	%)	
compared to the value reported in 1990.  

The data Portugal reported in 2018 mainly contributes 
to the total PAH emissions in the key category '2D3g — 
Chemical products'. 

The sudden decrease of Total PAH emissions in the 
category '3F — Field burning of agricultural residues' 
from 1999 to 2001 resembles the data reported by the 
Spain.

Figure 3.16(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
The 'industrial processes and product use' and the 
'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
groups are  very important sources of total PAHs.

85

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.25  Member State contributions to EU total emissions of PAHs

Total PAHs (Mg)

Change (%)  

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

20

55

37

24

14

12.8

10.5

8.2

8.4

7.8

8.2

8.8

45

40

17

11

24

29

15

18

28

18

15

18

14

14

20

12

12

20

11

12

18

10

6.2

3.8

0.9

1.0

1.0

0.8

280

179

5.3

8.2

7.1

46

5.8

10

7.6

44

45

6.0

8.5

7.6

35

40

7.8

7.7

8.7

26

47

8.2

8.3

11

22

46

7.3

7.1

9.6

19

48

6.9

7.1

10

20

49

7.1

7.1

9.7

21

7.7

8.1

16

8.0

0.7

47

6.5

7.1

9.8

18

8.2

8.3

16

8.2

0.9

47

7.2

7.0

9.4

19

8.3

9.1

17

6.9

0.7

46

7.3

7.0

10

19

Germany

374

160

153

142

205

180

170

182

157

169

182

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

27

79

49

99

19

20

4.3

0.0

20

27

30

31

101

18

9.1

2.1

0.0

10

29

25

23

68

19

9.1

0.5

0.0

5.1

26

24

21

73

14

9.6

0.5

0.0

5.1

21

30

20

95

11

10

0.5

0.0

4.8

147

211

148

169

157

590 1 053 1 190 1 721 1 166

67

20

8.4

71

2.5

5.7

78

13

4.7

77

20

5.2

73

19

6.2

19

34

18

73

11

10

0.4

0.0

5.0

150

924

68

19

6.1

19

36

18

91

12

10

0.5

0.0

4.6

153

769

77

19

6.0

17

36

19

86

10

10

0.5

0.1

4.6

152

581

67

20

6.1

17

29

16

76

10

9.2

0.6

0.0

4.7

140

595

68

19

5.3

18

31

16

82

8.3

8.5

0.6

0.0

4.7

139

787

69

20

5.3

11

32

15

82

8.3

8.6

0.6

0.0

4.8

146

829

67

19

5.4

7 174 5 788 2 385

307

261

269

270

260

281

261

271

17

17

14

17

13

13

13

13

12

12

13

1 354

95

20

18

22

19

22

24

21

22

22

10 563 8 004 4 373 2 817 2 268 1 965 1 834 1 632 1 592 1 784 1 845

10 563 8 004 4 373 2 817 2 268 1 965 1 834 1 632 1 592 1 784 1 845

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

86

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

0.2

0.5

0.4

0.2

0.1

2.7

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.4

3.5

0.3

0.7

0.5

0.9

0.2

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.2

1.4

5.6

0.6

0.2

0.1

0.5

0.5

0.9

0.4

0.0

2.5

0.4

0.4

0.6

1.0

9.8

0.6

1.7

0.8

4.4

0.4

0.5

0.0

0.0

0.3

7.9

44.9

3.6

1.0

0.3

67.9

14.7

0.2

0.7

12.8

100

1.2

100

-59

-83

-54

-71

-95

-84

38

-15

44

-59

-51

-59

-60

-69

-17

-56

-58

-86

-26

-76

0

41

0

-7

-35

-96

-26

-98

-83

0.8

10.2

6.8

-14.9

-23.7

-2.8

2.2

-1.0

9.2

2.0

7.7

-39.5

2.1

-6.0

-0.2

-0.5

0.4

10.7

10.8

0.7

4.9

5.2

-2.9

-7.8

2.2

3.9

2.1

-2.1

3.4

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016	
	
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Figure 3.16 

Total PAH emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the three most important key 
categories, 1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Mg

1 800

1 600

1 400

1 200

1 000

 800

 600

 400

 200

 0

(b)

Agriculture
13 %

 9 000

 8 000

 7 000

 6 000

 5 000

 4 000

 3 000

 2 000

 1 000

  0

Other
0 %

Waste
5 %

Energy
production and
distribution
2 %  

Energy use 
in industry
1 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
36 %   

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2D3g Chemical products

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

3F Field burning of agricultural residues

Industrial
processes and
product use
42 %  

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Road transport
1 %

(c)

Mg

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.16(a),	the	right-hand	axis	gives	values	for	'3F	—	Field	burning	of	agricultural	residues'.

87

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.23  Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) emission 
trends and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, B(a)P emissions in the EU fell 
by	19 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	they	increased	by	
4.4 %,	mainly	because	emissions	increased	in	Portugal	

(see	Table 3.26).	The	Member	State	that	contributed	
most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	B(a)P	emissions	in	2016	
was Portugal. Austria, Italy and Spain did not provide 
data for B(a)P and gap filling was not possible. The EU 
total is therefore an underestimate.

Table 3.26  Member State contributions to EU emissions of B(a)P

Benzo(a)pyrene (Mg)

Change (%)  

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Germany

139

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

NR

11

7.5

7.6

2.4

91

1.6

2.4

0.2

13

38

26

14

NE

6.8

6.6

1.2

0.0

5.2

35

NR

9.7

6.4

5.7

1.9

60

1.8

2.8

0.2

13

48

41

9.7

8.7

NE

6.6

3.1

0.6

0.0

3.1

49

NR

8.3

4.9

5.1

1.1

17

1.9

2.4

0.2

9.8

31

41

8.3

6.2

NE

7.4

3.1

0.1

0.0

1.8

35

NR

6.9

5.4

6.3

0.7

14

2.5

2.2

0.2

7.3

23

41

7.8

5.8

NE

5.0

3.3

0.1

0.0

1.8

39

NR

5.3

5.6

4.6

0.2

17

2.6

2.4

0.2

6.1

34

37

9.9

5.4

NE

4.0

3.6

0.1

0.0

1.6

45

NR

5.0

6.2

4.1

0.2

17

2.3

2.0

0.2

5.2

30

37

11

5.0

NE

4.1

3.6

0.1

0.0

1.6

43

NR

4.1

6.2

3.7

0.2

17

2.2

2.0

0.2

5.6

28

36

12

4.9

NE

4.0

3.5

0.1

0.0

1.6

44

NR

4.0

5.8

3.4

0.1

18

2.3

2.1

0.2

5.8

30

36

12

5.2

NE

3.6

3.5

0.1

0.0

1.6

44

NR

2.6

5.1

2.6

0.1

16

2.1

2.0

0.2

5.1

25

34

9.9

4.6

NE

3.6

3.2

0.2

0.0

1.6

40

NR

2.6

5.1

2.7

0.2

16

2.3

2.0

0.2

5.1

27

34

10

4.4

NE

3.0

3.0

0.2

0.0

1.6

40

NR

2.9

5.5

2.3

0.1

16

2.3

2.0

0.2

5.2

29

28

11

4.2

NE

3.0

3.0

0.2

0.0

1.7

42

460

931 1 070 1 624 1 075

831

675

486

500

693

736

25

5.1

2.8

n/a

5.2

25

1.2

2.1

n/a

5.1

26

3.7

1.9

n/a

4.3

22

5.2

2.0

n/a

5.4

24

5.0

2.5

n/a

4.0

22

5.3

2.5

n/a

4.1

26

5.4

2.5

n/a

3.9

22

5.6

2.5

n/a

3.9

22

5.3

2.1

n/a

3.7

22

5.5

2.2

n/a

3.8

21

5

2.2

n/a

3.9

241

23

6.8

5.9

7.9

6.8

7.8

8.3

7.3

7.7

7.6

1 148 1 257 1 297 1 838 1 302 1 049

 896

 704

 700

 896

 935

1 148 1 257 1 297 1 838 1 302 1 049

 896

 704

 700

 896

 935

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

1.0

0.7

0.7

0.2

7.9

0.1

0.2

0.0

1.1

12.1

3.3

2.3

1.2

0.6

0.6

0.1

0.0

0.5

3.1

0.3

0.6

0.2

0.0

1.7

0.2

0.2

0.0

0.6

3.2

3.0

1.1

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.0

0.0

0.2

4.5

40.1

78.8

2.2

0.4

0.2

2.3

0.5

0.2

11.3

7.0

-15.3

-21.7

-2.9

1.6

-1.0

0.1

2.3

7.9

-18.7

1.9

-6.2

-0.1

0.4

12.1

17.6

1.0

4.5

6.2

-3.4

-7.3

2.7

2.0

0.5

0.4

-1.9

4.4

21.0

100

0.8

100

-74

-27

-70

-95

-83

43

-15

27

-60

-79

-27

-59

-70

-56

-55

-85

-30

-68

20

60

-14

1

-20

-25

-97

-19

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

88

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

'2D3g — Chemical products' was the principal key 
category	for	B(a)P	emissions,	accounting	for	76 %	
of the total. Among the key categories, the largest 
change could be observed for the most important 
key	category,	'2D3g	—	Chemical	products'	(65 %)	(see	
Figure 3.17(a)). Emissions	from	the	second	largest	key	
category '1A4bi — Residential: Stationary' decreased 
by 50	%.

The data Portugal reported in 2018 mainly contributes 
to B(a)P emissions in the key category '2D3g — 
Chemical products'.

Figure 3.17(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
The  'industrial processes and product use' sector 
group is the chief emission source of B(a)P.

Figure 3.17  B(a)P emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the two most important key categories, 

1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(a)

Mg

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2D3g Chemical products

(b)

Waste
0 %

Agriculture
6 %

Industrial
processes and
product use
77 %  

 1 800

 1 600

 1 400

 1 200

 1 000

  800

  600

  400

  200

  0

Energy
production and
distribution
1 %  

Other
0 %

Energy use 
in industry
0 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
16 %   

Road transport
0 %

Non-road
transport
0 % 

(c)

Mg

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

500

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.17(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'2D3g	—	Chemical	products'.

89

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.24  Benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F) 

emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, B(b)F emissions in the 
EU	decreased	by	76 %.	Between	2015	and	2016, 	
they	decreased	by	5 %,	mainly	because	emissions 	
decreased	in	Greece	(gap-filled	data)	(see	Table 3.27). 	

The Member States that contributed most (i.e. more 
than	10 %)	to	B(b)F	emissions	in	2016	were	Greece, 	
Poland and Portugal (countries ranked according to 
the percentage of their share in the EU total). Austria, 
Italy and Spain did not provide data for B(b)F, and gap 
filling was not possible. The EU total is therefore an 
underestimate.

Table 3.27  Member State contributions to EU emissions of B(b)F

Benzo(b)fluoranthene (Mg)

Change (%)  

1990 1995

2000

2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1990- 
2016

2015-
2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

NR

7.9

10

8.1

6.6

90

1.7

2.8

0.2

15

3.2

92

30

20

NE

6.6

7.9

1.4

0.0

7.8

33

55

20

6.2

2.6

n/a

5.5

NR

7.1

7.9

5.6

5.2

57

1.9

2.8

0.3

15

1.4

102

11

13

NE

5.8

3.2

0.7

0.0

3.3

52

51

21

1.1

1.7

n/a

5.3

639

40

1 074

 414

1 074

 414

NR

6.3

5.7

4.9

3.0

11

2.0

2.5

0.3

12

1.3

99

8.9

9.7

NE

5.9

3.1

0.2

0.0

1.7

38

50

21.6

4.5

1.2

n/a

4.5

5.5

 302

 302

NR

5.5

6.2

6.0

1.8

9.5

2.6

2.4

0.3

8.6

1.2

101

8.4

9.1

NE

4.7

3.2

0.2

0.0

1.6

43

44

21

6.9

1.3

n/a

5.6

NR

4.7

6.1

4.5

0.4

11

2.8

2.6

0.3

7.3

1.2

92

10

8.3

NE

3.8

3.5

0.2

0.0

1.6

47

41

22

6.5

1.5

n/a

4.2

NR

4.1

7

4.0

0.5

11

2.5

2.2

0.3

6.3

1.3

93

12

7.6

NE

3.8

3.5

0.2

0.0

1.7

46

42

20

6.9

1.4

n/a

4.4

NR

3.9

7

3.7

0.5

12

2.4

2.2

0.3

6.7

1.3

92

12

7.4

NE

3.8

3.4

0.2

0.0

1.5

47

42

23

7.0

1.4

n/a

4.2

NR

4.1

6.3

3.4

0.4

12

2.4

2.2

0.3

7.0

1.3

91

12

7.8

NE

3.5

3.4

0.2

0.0

1.5

46

43

20

7.1

1.4

n/a

4.2

NR

2.8

5.4

2.7

0.3

11

2.3

2.3

0.3

6.1

1.3

86

9.9

6.8

NE

3.4

3.1

0.2

0.0

1.5

42

43

20

7.0

1.3

n/a

4.0

NR

2.9

5.4

2.8

0.4

11

2.5

2.3

0.3

6.2

1.3

85

10

6.7

NE

2.9

2.9

0.2

0.0

1.5

42

43

21

7.2

1.3

n/a

4.1

NR

3.2

5.8

2.4

0.3

11

2.6

2.3

0.3

6.3

1.4

71

11

6.3

NE

2.8

2.9

0.2

0.0

1.5

44

42

20

7

1.3

n/a

4.2

5.4

6.9

5.9

6.9

7.4

6.7

7.0

6.8

 300

 291

 287

 291

 288

 271

 270

 256

 300

 291

 287

 291

 288

 271

 270

 256

-60

-43

-70

-95

-88

53

-17

29

-59

-57

-23

-65

-69

-57

-63

-83

-19

-81

34

-23

-3

7

-51

-23

-99

-76

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

0.7

1.0

0.8

0.6

8.4

0.2

0.3

0.0

1.4

0.3

8.6

2.8

1.9

0.6

0.7

0.1

0.0

0.7

3.1

5.1

1.9

0.6

0.2

1.2

2.3

1.0

0.1

4.3

1.0

0.9

0.1

2.5

0.5

27.8

4.2

2.4

1.1

1.1

0.1

0.0

0.6

17.3

16.4

7.8

2.6

0.5

9.3

7.8

-12.9

-24.4

-2.7

2.9

-1.4

0.6

1.7

3.0

-16.5

3.0

-5.8

-0.7

0.6

10.0

3.8

0.9

5.2

-1.2

-3.1

-8.4

1.3

2.8

0.5

1.6

-2.5

-5.0

59.5

100

2.7

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors:	differences	arise	when	only	national	totals	and	no	sectoral	data	are	available.

90

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Sweden explained that the marked decline in its B(b)
F emissions between 2005 and 2010 was because 
aluminium production changed ('2C3 — Aluminium 
production'). Until 2008, aluminium production at the 
only operating plant (Kubikenborg Aluminium AB) in 
Sweden was a key source of B(b)F emissions. All the 
pot-lines in the plant that operated using Söderberg 
technology were shut down in 2008. For this reason, 
there was an abrupt decrease in B(b)F emissions 
between 2008 and 2009 (personal communication 
by Sweden in 2017).

3.25  Benzo(k)fluoranthene (B(k)F) 

emission trends

Between 1990 and 2016, B(k)F emissions in the EU 
decreased	by	78 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	they	fell	by	
5.6 %,	mainly	because	emissions	decreased	in	Greece	
(gap-filled	data)	(see	Table 3.28).	The	Member	States	
that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	B(k)F	
emissions in 2016 were Greece, Portugal and Poland 
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 

share in the EU total). Austria, Italy and Spain did not 
provide data for B(k)F, and gap filling was not possible. 
The EU total is therefore an underestimate.

3.26  Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP) emission 

trends

Between 1990 and 2016, IP emissions in the EU fell by 
65 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	emissions	decreased	by	
5.8	%,	mainly	because	Lithuania	and	Greece	(gap-filled	
data) (countries ranked according to the size of their 
contribution to the absolute change) reported decreased 
emissions	(see	Table 3.29).	The	Member	States	that	
contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	IP	emissions	in	
2016 were Poland, Greece (gap-filled data) and Portugal 
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 
share in the EU total). Austria, Italy and Spain did not 
provide data for IP, and gap filling was not possible. 
The EU total is therefore an underestimate.

Lithuania reported increased IP emissions in 2015 in 
the category '5C1bii — Hazardous waste incineration'.

91

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.28  Member State contributions to EU emissions of B(k)F

Benzo(k)fluoranthene (Mg)

Change (%)  

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

NR

5.0

4.1

3.4

2.8

50

0.7

1.5

0.1

9.4

1.9

40

12

7.8

NE

2.5

3.0

0.9

0.0

4.0

33

27

8.9

3.0

1.6

n/a

2.7

277

 502

 502

NR

4.3

3.7

2.1

2.2

32

0.8

1.8

0.2

9.1

1.0

44

4.5

5.0

NE

2.3

1.2

0.4

0.0

2.3

52

25

8.9

1.1

1.2

n/a

2.6

NR

3.7

2.3

1.9

1.3

7.6

0.9

1.5

0.2

7.3

1.1

43

3.6

3.6

NE

2.4

1.2

0.1

0.0

0.9

38

24

9.2

2.0

1.0

n/a

2.3

NR

3.0

2.5

2.3

0.8

6.6

1.0

1.3

0.2

5.5

0.9

44

3.4

3.4

NE

1.7

1.2

0.1

0.0

0.8

43

21

9.2

2.9

1.1

n/a

3.1

NR

2.3

2.4

1.7

0.2

7.6

1.1

1.4

0.1

4.6

0.9

40

4.0

3.1

NE

1.3

1.3

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

21

9.2

2.8

1.4

n/a

1.6

NR

2.3

2.8

1.5

0.2

7.6

1.0

1.2

0.2

3.9

1.0

41

4.6

2.9

NE

1.4

1.3

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

22

8.6

2.8

1.4

n/a

1.6

NR

2.0

2.7

1.4

0.2

7.8

1.0

1.2

0.2

4.2

1.0

40

4.8

2.8

NE

1.4

1.3

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

22

9.9

2.9

1.4

n/a

1.6

NR

2.0

2.5

1.3

0.2

8.0

1.0

1.3

0.2

4.3

1.0

39

4.8

3.0

NE

1.2

1.3

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

22

8.5

2.9

1.4

n/a

1.6

NR

1.3

2.2

1.0

0.1

7.5

0.9

1.2

0.2

3.8

1.0

38

4.0

2.6

NE

1.2

1.2

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

22

8.7

2.9

1.2

n/a

1.5

NR

1.3

2.2

1.1

0.2

7.5

1.0

1.2

0.2

3.8

1.0

37

4.1

2.6

NE

1.0

1.1

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

22

8.8

3.0

1.2

n/a

1.5

NR

1.4

2.3

0.9

0.1

7.3

1.0

1.2

0.2

3.9

1.1

31

4.3

2.4

NE

1.0

1.1

0.1

0.0

0.8

12

21

8.5

2.8

1.2

n/a

1.5

20

3.6

3.1

2.9

2.5

2.9

3.1

2.8

2.9

2.8

 228

 228

 163

 163

 162

 162

 124

 124

 124

 125

 124

 117

 117

 110

 124

 125

 124

 117

 117

 110

-71

-44

-73

-95

-85

46

-23

21

-58

-45

-22

-64

-69

-61

-64

-90

-30

-80

-64

-22

-5

-7

-20

-43

-99

-78

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

1.0

0.8

0.7

0.6

9.9

0.1

0.3

0.0

1.9

0.4

7.9

2.4

1.6

0.5

0.6

0.2

0.0

0.8

6.6

5.4

1.8

0.6

0.3

1.3

2.1

0.8

0.1

6.6

0.9

1.1

0.1

3.5

1.0

28.3

3.9

2.2

0.9

1.0

0.1

0.0

0.7

10.9

19.2

7.7

2.5

1.1

9.0

6.8

-13.0

-24.6

-2.8

2.4

-0.9

1.9

1.8

3.0

-16.0

2.9

-6.0

-0.6

0.6

10.2

14.9

-0.7

3.7

-2.2

-3.5

-7.3

3.0

2.1

0.5

1.4

-3.0

-5.6

55.1

100

2.6

100

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

92

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.29  Member State contributions to EU emissions of IP

Indeno(1.2.3-cd)pyrene (Mg)

Change (%)  

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

NR

4.2

4.0

4.0

2.0

49

1.3

1.6

0.1

8.1

1.4

28

11

6.7

NE

3.1

2.8

0.9

0.0

2.8

45

20

12

5.7

0.8

NE

2.6

NR

3.7

4.5

3.3

1.6

31

1.4

2.6

0.1

7.8

0.8

32

4.6

4.2

NE

3.3

1.6

0.4

0.0

1.4

59

19

12

2.6

0.5

NE

2.7

NR

3.3

2.7

3.0

0.9

10

1.3

2.2

0.1

6.3

0.8

31

4.6

3.0

NE

3.5

1.8

0.1

0.0

0.8

37

18

12.1

3.1

0.4

NE

2.2

NR

2.9

3.1

3.7

0.6

9.4

1.7

1.7

0.1

4.8

0.8

31

4.2

2.8

NE

2.6

1.8

0.1

0.0

0.8

45

16

11

4.1

0.4

NE

2.5

NR

2.4

3.2

2.7

0.1

11

1.7

1.9

0.1

4.0

0.8

29

5.7

2.7

NE

2.0

2.0

0.1

0.0

0.8

53

15

12

3.8

0.5

NE

2.4

NR

2.2

3.6

2.4

0.1

11

1.5

1.6

0.1

3.5

0.8

29

6.5

2.5

NE

2.1

1.9

0.1

0.0

0.9

49

16

11

4.0

0.4

NE

2.4

NR

2.0

3.5

2.2

0.1

12

1.4

1.6

0.1

3.7

0.8

28

6.9

2.4

NE

2.1

1.9

0.1

0.0

0.8

50

16

13

4.0

0.4

NE

2.3

NR

2.1

3.3

1.9

0.1

12

1.5

1.6

0.1

3.9

0.8

28

7.0

2.6

NE

1.9

1.9

0.1

0.0

0.8

50

16

11

4.0

0.4

NE

2.3

NR

1.4

3.0

1.5

0.1

12

1.3

1.5

0.1

3.4

0.8

27

5.7

2.2

NE

1.8

1.7

0.1

0.0

0.8

46

16

11

3.9

0.4

NE

2.2

NR

1.4

3.0

1.5

0.1

12

1.4

1.5

0.1

3.4

0.8

26

6.0

2.2

NE

1.5

7.3

0.1

0.0

0.8

45

16

11

4.1

0.4

NE

2.2

NR

1.6

3.2

1.3

0.1

11

1.4

1.5

0.1

3.5

0.8

22

6.1

2.1

NE

1.5

1.6

0.1

0.0

0.8

48

16

11

3.8

0.4

NE

2.2

197

 414

 414

13

3.9

3.5

4.7

4.0

4.6

4.8

4.2

4.4

4.3

 212

 212

 153

 153

 154

 154

 162

 162

 157

 161

 159

 148

 153

 144

 157

 161

 159

 148

 153

 144

-61

-20

-67

-95

-77

8

-5

8

-57

-44

-23

-44

-69

-52

-43

-87

-32

-71

5

-21

-6

-33

-50

-15

-98

-65

11.3

5.3

-16.0

-23.0

-2.3

1.6

-0.4

1.0

2.1

2.5

-16.7

0.6

-5.9

-0.2

-77.8

10.4

17.6

0.8

5.4

-2.9

-2.3

-7.7

0.5

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.5

11.9

0.3

0.4

0.0

1.9

0.3

6.9

2.6

1.6

0.7

0.7

0.2

0.0

0.7

11.0

4.8

2.9

1.4

0.2

1.1

2.2

0.9

0.1

7.9

1.0

1.0

0.1

2.4

0.6

15.2

4.2

1.4

1.0

1.1

0.1

0.0

0.6

33.1

10.8

7.7

2.6

0.3

1.2

0.6

1.5

-1.4

-5.8

47.5

100

3.0

100

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

Notes:	

Dark-blue	shaded	cells	indicate	that	no	emission	values	are	available.	See	Appendix 1	for	an	explanation	of	the	notation	keys	reported	
by Member States.

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

93

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.27  Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) emission 

trends and key categories

category '2B10a — Chemical industry: Other', which 
is	responsible	for	88 %	of	Finland's	national	total.

Between 1990 and 2016, HCB emissions in the EU fell 
by	95 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	the	increase	was	
3.5 %,	mainly	because	emissions	increased	Finland	
(see	Table 3.30).	The	Member	States	that	contributed	
most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	HCB	emissions	in	2016	
were Finland, Portugal, Austria and the United Kingdom 
(countries ranked according to the percentage of their 
share in the EU total) .

Austria explained that the increase in HCB emissions 
from 2012 to 2014 reflects the data reported 
in the category '1A2f — Stationary combustion 
in manufacturing industries and construction: 
Non-metallic minerals'. Due to unintentional releases 
in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the emissions rose to a very 
high level: HCB-contaminated material (lime) was 
co-incinerated in a cement plant at temperatures 
that were too low and failed to destroy the HCB. The 
sharp decrease in emissions between 2014 and 2015 
by	71 %	therefore	marks	a	return	to	usual	levels	(see	
Austria's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The peak in HCB emissions (the increase between 1990 
and 1995 and the decrease between 1995 and 1999) 
reported by Belgium is mostly due to higher amounts 
of burned sludge (personal communication by Belgium 
in 2017). The strong decrease in HCB emissions from 
1999 to 2000 is because the sewage sludge incineration 
sector used a lower emission factor from 2000 onwards 
(personal communication by Belgium in 2016).

The Czech Republic explained that the increase from 
2009 to 2010 was due to the implementation of 
new statistical data on hard coal consumption, and 
the increase between 2011 and 2012 was because 
of an increase in hard coal consumption (personal 
communication by the Czech Republic in 2018).

The data reported by Finland shows an increase from 
2015	to	2016	by	216 %	for	HCB	emissions.	The	main	
reason is the reporting of increased emissions in the 

France reported a pronounced decrease in HCB 
emissions between 1990 and 1995. The decrease 
in the category '1Ab2 — Stationary combustion in 
manufacturing industries and construction: Non-ferrous 
metals' was mainly due to the aluminium industry, 
which used chlorine to refine aluminium by eliminating 
magnesium traces. Until the early 1990s, it used 
hexachloroethane (HCE) as a core source, which resulted 
in HCB emissions. This was the main HCB source within 
the national inventory. In 1993, France banned HCE for 
secondary aluminium refining. Following this ban, the 
secondary aluminium industry no longer emits HCB 
(personal communication by France in 2015).

Ireland reported a marked decrease in HCB emissions 
between 1995 and 2000. HCB emissions from 
'2C2 — Ferroalloys production' dominated the 
inventory for the period up to and including 1996, 
with	a	contribution	of	40 kg	per	year.	This	is	no	longer	
a source of HCB emissions within Ireland due to the 
banning of HCE-based cover gas use (HCB was present 
as a contaminant in such cover gases) (see Ireland's IIR 
from 2017,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Spain stated in its IIR that the sudden reduction of 
HCB emissions between 2005 and 2006 and the 
further decrease from 2008 to 2010 is due to a new 
regulation in line with the framework of the 'Stockholm 
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants'. The 
fluctuations before reflect variations in the productions 
of POPs in Spain (see Spain's IIR, listed in Appendix 5).

The United Kingdom explained that the largest source 
of HCB emissions for the years 1990-1998 was the use 
of HCE as a degassing agent in secondary aluminium 
smelting reported in the category '2C3 — Aluminium 
production'. Specific regulation controlling the use of 
HCE led to emissions from this sector being zero from 
1999 onwards, and thus led to an overall sharp decrease 
in HCB emissions between 1998 and 1999 (personal 
communication by the United Kingdom in 2017).

94

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.30  Member State contributions to EU emissions of HCB

HCB (kg)

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015-
2016

Share in 
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

 149

 147

 76

 41

0.3

0.3

0.0

106

27

0.2

37

1.196

112

2.1

2.6

41

43

0.2

11

0.4

0.0

45

6.3

59

1.3

2.4

0.5

 55

 116

0.3

0.3

0.1

44

8.3

0.3

35

70

23

2.2

2.8

41

38

0.3

4.7

1.3

0.0

1.2

6.1

74

1.8

1.6

0.5

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

327

151

178

16

17

3 155 4 130

11

81

 47

 22

0.5

0.3

0.1

19

5.6

0.3

38

43

23

2.6

2.9

1.1

25

0.2

1.9

0.6

0.0

1.5

4.9

 42

 20

0.5

0.3

0.0

14

3.7

0.3

32

11

14

2.9

2.0

1.9

21

0.3

1.9

0.6

0.0

1.6

5.1

 44

 15

0.2

0.3

0.0

22

2.7

0.3

8.3

6.0

9.9

3.1

2.0

1.6

17

0.2

1.3

0.7

0.0

2.4

5.0

 41

 30

0.2

0.3

0.0

19

2.6

0.3

26

5.9

10

3.0

1.8

1.6

22

0.2

1.0

0.7

0.0

2.5

5.1

 67

 20

0.2

0.3

0.0

25

2.3

0.3

9.0

6.1

8.8

2.8

1.5

1.7

27

0.3

0.8

0.5

0.0

2.7

5.4

8.7

0.2

0.3

0.0

22

2.6

0.3

17

5.7

9.4

2.6

1.4

1.6

22

0.3

0.7

0.5

0.0

2.8

5.3

100

108

112

113

130

112

2.3

1.6

0.5

2.8

1.6

0.6

133

4.6

2.8

1.1

0.6

0.9

6.6

3.1

1.3

0.6

0.9

4.3

2.7

1.2

0.6

1.1

3.8

2.4

1.1

0.6

1.0

4.3

7.8

0.2

0.3

0.0

22

2.3

0.3

21

5.8

14

3.3

1.4

1.6

22

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.0

2.9

4.9

84

2.3

1.2

0.5

1.0

3.4

 42

5.9

0.2

0.3

0.0

23

2.2

0.3

16

5.5

12

2.8

1.2

1.7

22

0.3

0.4

0.6

0.0

3.3

4.8

88

2.3

1.2

0.5

1.0

3.8

 43

5.6

0.2

0.3

0.0

22

2.3

0.3

59

5.8

15

2.5

1.5

1.7

22

0.3

0.4

0.6

0.0

3.4

4.9

49

2.3

1.4

0.6

1.3

2.7

71

34

24

23

20

24

27

31

EU-28 (a)

5 309 4 825

EU-28 (b)

5 309 4 825

 613

 613

 497

 497

 300

 300

 320

 344

 394

 374

 269

 278

 320

 344

 394

 374

 269

 278

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

15.3

2.0

0.1

0.1

0.0

7.9

0.8

0.1

21.3

2.1

5.4

0.9

0.5

0.6

7.9

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.0

1.2

1.8

17.5

0.8

0.5

0.2

0.5

1.0

-44

-86

-29

9

-82

-79

-92

47

62

0.8

-6.2

1.4

-0.2

0.6

-4.0

6.8

1.4

>	100

1.4

0.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

2.0

0.5

0.0

0.7

-100

4.3

22.5

21.9

-10.8

19.4

-0.4

1.6

3.7

2.7

-3.1

-9.3

3.7

1.9

-44.8

-1.0

9.7

7.0

23.5

-29.7

2.1

0.0

0.0

0.8

0.8

0.0

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.9

0.1

1.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

6.2

0.3

-87

18

-42

-96

-50

42

-96

34

>	100

-93

-22

-17

80

-44

17

-100

-84

-99

-95

12.2

3.5

59.4

100

11.1

100

95

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

'1A4bi —  Residential: Stationary', '2B10a —  Chemical 
industry: Other' and '2C3 — Aluminium production' 
were the chief key categories for HCB emissions in 
2016,	together	accounting	for	57 %	of	the	total	(see	
Figure 3.18(a)).	Among	the	top	five	key	categories,	
the highest relative reduction in emissions between 
1990 and 2016 was in the third most important '2C3 
— Aluminium	production'	(-98 %).

Figure 3.18(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For HCB, the primary emission source is the 'industrial 
processes and product use' sector group.

The drop in HCB emissions between 1998 and 1999 
visible	in	Figure 3.18(a)	and	Figure 3.18(c)	is	due	to	
a considerable reduction reported by the United 
Kingdom in the category '2C3 — Aluminium production' 
(for an explanation see above).

Figure 3.18  HCB emissions in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the five most important key categories, 

1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in emissions

(b)

Waste
7 %

Agriculture
9 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
16 %  

Industrial
processes and
product use
41 %  

 5 000

 4 500

 4 000

 3 500

 3 000

 2 500

 2 000

 1 500

 1 000

  500

  0

Energy use 
in industry
3 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
23 %   

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Road transport
1 %

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2B10a  Chemical industry: Other

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

3Df Use of pesticides

2C3 Aluminium production

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

(a)

kg

1 200

1 000

 800

 600

 400

 200

 0

(c)

kg

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

0

96

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

3.28  Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 

emission trends and key categories

Between 1990 and 2016, PCB emissions dropped in the 
EU	by	74 %.	Between	2015	and	2016,	they	decreased	
by	2 %,	mainly	because	of	large	reductions	reported	
by	the	United	Kingdom	(see	Table 3.31).	The	Member	
States	that	contributed	most	(i.e.	more	than	10 %)	to	the	
emissions of PCBs in 2016 were Portugal, Poland, the 
United Kingdom and Croatia (countries ranked according 
to the percentage of their share in the EU total).

Belgium stated that PCB emissions reported in the 
category '2A1 — Cement production' from one of the 
plants were very high in 2010 and 2011 because of 
the use of an alternative raw material containing high 
concentrations of PCBs. After the removal of the raw 
material causing high PCB emissions at the end of 2011, 
emissions decreased significantly (see Belgium's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

Denmark explained that the strong decrease of PCB 
emissions between 1990 and 1995 in the category '1A3bi 
— Road transport: Passenger cars' was due to the phase 
out of leaded petrol, which has a high PCB emission 
factor	(see	Denmark's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The emission peak in Ireland in 2003 (not shown in 
Table 3.31)	was	caused	by	an	increase	of	household	
waste reported in the category '5E — Other waste' 
(see Ireland's	IIR	from	2017,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Lithuania explained that the high PCB emissions 
in 2005 occurred because emissions from 
electrical transformer oil were estimated (personal 
communication by Lithuania in 2017).

The United Kingdom explained that the strong 
decrease of PCB emissions between 1995 and 2000 
was because of measures to end use of PCBs in 
capacitors and dielectric fluid transformers, etc., 
resulting in a sharp drop in activity data between 1999 
and 2000 (personal communication by the United 
Kingdom in 2017).

'2K — Consumption of POPs and heavy metals 
(e.g. electrical	and	scientific	equipment)'	was	the	chief	
key	category	for	PCB	emissions,	making	up	52 %	of	the	
total. Among the top four key categories, the highest 
relative reductions in emissions between 1990 and 
2016 were in the third most important key category, 
'2C1	—	Iron	and	steel	production'	(-83	%),	and	the	
principal key category, '2K — Consumption of POPs and 
heavy metals (e.g. electrical and scientific equipment)' 
(-76 %)	(see	Figure 3.19(a)).

The large decrease in emissions from '2K — 
Consumption of POPs and heavy metals (e.g. electrical 
and scientific equipment)' between 1999 and 2000 is 
due to reductions reported by the United Kingdom 
(for an	explanation	see	above).

The strong decrease of PCB emissions between 2000 
and 2002 in '2C1 — Iron and steel production' is 
mainly caused by data reported from Portugal. This 
decrease can be explained by the significant changes 
in the only integrated iron and steel plant that existed 
in Portugal, particularly the end of the production of 
coke and sinter and the closure and dismantling of the 
blast	furnace	(see	Portugal's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
The decrease from 2008 to 2009 can be explained by 
the economic recession, which negatively affected the 
volume of production.

The national total of PCBs reported by Portugal is 
strongly linked to the development of emissions in the 
category '2C1 — Iron and steel production'; therefore, 
this category is also a main driver for the emission drop 
from 2000 to 2002.

Figure 3.19(b)	shows	the	contribution	that	each	
aggregated sector group made to total EU emissions. 
For PCBs, the common important emission source 
is the 'industrial processes and product use' sector 
group.

97

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Trends and key categories of EU pollutant emissions

Table 3.31  Member State contributions to EU emissions of PCBs

PCB (kg)

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

47

107

14

483

0.0

3.7

111

8.4

33

29

89

16

468

0.0

2.8

40

4.1

36

177

152

30

93

11

441

0.0

2.1

39

2.6

40

97

35

72

10

436

0.0

2.0

43

3.7

41

67

35

96

4.3

434

0.0

1.8

42

4.2

39

54

35

58

5.0

35

9.6

4.7

37

5.2

4.1

37

11

3.1

36

3.1

3.0

35

5.9

3.1

433

431

430

429

425

422

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1.8

43

3.6

40

47

1.7

41

3.5

37

51

1.7

40

3.9

36

50

1.7

41

4.2

37

43

1.8

41

4.2

36

42

1.8

43

4.2

37

41

Germany

1 736 1 483

948

198

232

235

223

226

228

229

228

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

EU-28 (a)

EU-28 (b)

22

26

41

22

12

34

22

9.9

33

289

302

266

4.3

6.2

40

0.0

0.0

1.1

1.8

36

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.7

11

0.0

0.0

35

11

36

279

0.5

37

12

0.0

0.0

43

8.9

14

211

0.4

10

19

0.0

0.0

39

9.7

12

38

8.7

12

36

7.0

11

37

7.3

10

37

11

15

30

9.8

12

219

226

206

200

195

190

0.8

1.8

26

0.0

0.0

2.4

1.4

9.1

0.0

0.0

0.7

1.6

4.3

0.0

0.0

0.3

1.4

5.1

0.0

0.0

0.2

1.3

3.1

0.0

0.0

0.2

1.4

3.7

0.0 >	100

0.0

-100

761

894

539

597

707

673

687

693

635

627

634

2 306 2 666 2 687 1 214 1 112 1 134 1 160 1 110 1 105 1 093 1 095

3.7

66

14

38

28

25

38

21

417

290

213

135

26

9.0

40

9.4

32

9.9

37

9.5

21

17

76

33

20

17

51

31

18

18

44

27

17

18

41

26

18

18

41

27

20

18

39

27

19

18

39

24

9.2

9.8

8.8

8.6

9.0

9.1

9.2

6 744 4 915 1 355 1 038

768

745

708

679

645

609

547

13 480 11 598 6 937 4 408 3 991 3 892 3 805 3 695 3 594 3 524 3 454

13 480 11 598 6 937 4 408 3 991 3 892 3 805 3 695 3 594 3 524 3 454

-17

-52

427

-73

-91

-6

3

-92

-74

Change (%)  

1990- 
2016

2015- 
2016

Share in  
EU-28 (%)

1990

2016

-27

-94

-78

-13

9

-52

-61

-50

11

-77

-87

38

-62

-69

-34

-95

-78

-91

-2.8

90.4

1.9

-0.7

0.6

0.0

3.9

-0.9

3.6

-1.5

-0.7

-17.1

-9.0

-14.4

-2.6

-10.5

5.6

22.0

-34.7

0.0

1.1

0.2

-4.3

-3.2

0.0

-10.1

1.3

-10.1

-2.0

0.4

0.8

0.1

3.6

0.0

0.0

0.8

0.1

0.2

1.3

12.9

0.2

0.2

0.3

2.1

0.0

0.0

0.3

0.0

0.0

5.6

17.1

0.0

0.5

3.1

0.2

0.1

1.0

0.2

0.1

12.2

0.0

0.1

1.2

0.1

1.1

1.2

6.6

0.9

0.3

0.4

5.5

0.0

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.0

18.4

31.7

0.6

0.5

1.1

0.7

0.3

50.0

100

15.8

100

Notes:	

Light-blue	shaded	cells	denote	gap-filled	data.	For	more	detailed	information,	see	Annex D.

(a) Sum	of	national	totals	as	reported	by	Member	States.

(b) Sum	of	sectors.

98

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Figure 3.19 

PCB emissions from key categories in the EU: (a) trend in emissions from the four most 
important key categories, 1990-2016; (b) share by sector group, 2016; (c) sectoral trends in 
emissions

(a)

kg

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

 500

 0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1A4bi Residential: Stationary

2C1 Iron and steel production

1A1a Public electricity and heat production

2K Cons. of POPs and heavy metals 
(e.g. electr. and scient. equipm.)

 9 000

 8 000

 7 000

 6 000

 5 000

 4 000

 3 000

 2 000

 1 000

 0

(b)

Waste
0 %

Agriculture
0 %

Other
0 %

Energy
production and
distribution
10 %  

Industrial
processes and
product use
66 %  

Non-road
transport
0 % 

Energy use 
in industry
2 % 

Commercial,
institutional
and
households
16 %   

Road 
transport
1 %

(c)

kg

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Other

Non-road transport

Waste

Road transport

Agriculture

Commercial, institutional and households

Industrial processes and product use

Energy use in industry

Energy production and distribution

Note:	

In	Figure 3.19(a),	the	right-hand	axis	shows	values	for	'2K	—	Consumption	of	POPs	and	heavy	metals	(e.g.	electrical	and	scientific	
equipment)'.

99

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

4  Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 

key pollutants

Chapter 4	sets	out	emission	trends	and	detailed	
methodologies of the key pollutants, aggregated into 
the following main sector groups:

•  energy production and distribution;

•  energy use in industry;

• 

industrial processes and product use;

•  commercial, institutional and households;

• 

road transport;

•  non-road transport;

•  agriculture;

•  waste.

Appendix 4	of	this	report	provides	a	conversion	chart	
showing how the aggregated sector groups include 
the	individual	NFR	source	categories	(see	Table A4.1).	
Box 4.1	gives	some	general	explanations	relevant	to	the	
figures and tables in this chapter.

Sectoral analysis and emission trends for 'energy 
production and distribution'

The 'energy production and distribution' sector 
grouping comprises emissions from a number of 
activities that employ fuel combustion to produce 
energy products and electricity, for instance. It is a 
primary source of many pollutants, especially SOx. 
Despite considerable past reductions, this sector group 
contributes	51 %	of	the	total	EU	emissions	of	this	
pollutant.

Box 4.1 

Explanations of the figures in this chapter

The sector is an important source of SOx, Hg, PCDD/Fs 
and NOx. The following ranking of the countries is 
according to the size of the absolute values they 
reported. Poland, Germany and Spain contributed most 
(in absolute terms) to the emissions of SOx for this 
sector in 2016. Germany, Poland and Spain reported 
the highest emissions of Hg. Germany, Poland and 
the United Kingdom contributed most to the NOx 
emissions. The United Kingdom reported the highest 
emissions of HCB in this sector in 2016. 

For	emissions	of	the	main	pollutants	(see	Figure 4.1),	
the highest absolute and relative reduction within this 
sector group was for SOx	(-93 %)	between	1990	and	
2016. NOx and NMVOC emissions dropped between 
1990	and	2016	by	69 %	and	68 %,	respectively.	PM2.5 
and PM10 emissions have decreased notably since 2000, 
PM2.5	by	63 %	and	PM10	by	67 %.

The strong decrease in NOx emissions between 2007 
and 2008 is mainly because of emission reductions 
reported by Spain and the United Kingdom in 
the category '1A1a — Public electricity and heat 
production'. The United Kingdom remarked that, since 
1988, electricity generators have adopted a programme 
of progressively fitting low NOx burners to their 
500 MWe (megawatt electric) or larger coal-fired units, 
and since 2007 a programme of fitting over-fire-air 
burners has further reduced NOx emissions from 
the sector (see the United Kingdom's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).	Furthermore,	emission	reductions	
reported for the same category in Spain are mainly 
responsible for the strong decrease in SOx emissions in 
the same year. Spain explained that the dramatic drop 
in both NOx and SOx emissions in 2008 was due to the 
closure of the main brown coal mine in Spain in 2007 

 The LRTAP Convention formally requests Parties to report emissions of PM for 2000 and thereafter. The figures in this 
chapter show only data from 2000 onwards.

	The	figures	showing	indexed	values	(in	percentages)	use	1990	as	the	index	year	(1990 = 100 %),	with	the	exception	of	
PM10 and PM2.5,	for	which	the	index	year	is	2000	(2000 = 100	%).

• 

•	

100

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

and the necessary retrofitting in 2008 of the adjacent 
thermal	plant	(see	Spain's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The peak in CO emissions in 2012 is because between 
2011 and 2012 Estonia and Italy reported increases in 
the category '1A1c — Manufacture of solid fuels and 
other energy industries'. The United Kingdom reported a 
steep increase in the category '1A1a — Public electricity 
and heat production' in 2012. Furthermore, between 
2012 and 2013 Croatia, France and Portugal reported 
decreases in the category '1B2aiv — Fugitive emissions 
oil: Refining/storage' and Italy and Poland reported 
decreases in the categories '1A1a — Public electricity 
and heat production' and '1A1c — Manufacture of solid 
fuels and other energy industries'.  France reported that 

CO emissions were mainly caused by the regeneration 
of catalytic crackers. In 2013, a plant was equipped with 
a CO boiler and, since then, emissions have decreased. 
(see	France's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The peak in PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in 2011 comes 
from high emission values that Estonia reported 
in the category '1A1a — Public electricity and heat 
production'. The Member State explained that the 
significant growth of PM2.5 emissions in 2011 was due 
to	an	increase	in	electricity	production	by	34 %	in	Balti	
Power Plant (Eesti Energia Narva Elektrijaamad plc) and 
that it is a result of the incorrect operation of electric 
precipitators on two power units of this power plant 
(see	Estonia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Figure 4.1 

EU emission trends in the sector 'energy production and distribution' for NOx, NMVOCs, 
SOx, PMs and CO between 1990 (2000) and 2016

Gg

5 000

4 500
4 000
3 500

3 000
2 500
2 000

1 500
1 000
 500

 0

Index (1990 = 100)

18 000

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx
PM10

NMVOCs

CO

PM2.5
SOx

NOx
PM10

NMVOCs

CO

PM2.5
SOx

Note: 

In the left panel, the right-hand axis gives values for SOx.

Figure 4.2 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'energy production and distribution' (a) for the HMs 
(Pb, Cd and Hg), and (b) for POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and HCB) between 1990 and 2016

(a)

Index (1990 = 100)

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

PCBs

HCB

101

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Of the three main HMs, Pb shows the highest reduction 
in	relative	terms	(-80 %)	(see	Figure 4.2(a)).	Since	2000,	
the trend of the Hg emissions mainly follows Italy's 
reported emissions in the category '1B2d  — Other 
fugitive emissions from energy production'. 

Table 4.1 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 'energy 
production and distribution'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

For emissions of POPs, the highest relative reduction 
was	in	PCDD/Fs	(-77 %)	(see	Figure 4.2(b)).	The	peak	in	
HCB emissions in 1995 reflects high emission values 
reported by Belgium in the category '1A1a — Public 
electricity and heat production'. The Member State 
explained that the reason for high HCB emissions is 
higher levels of sludge burning in Flanders in 1995 
(personal communication by Belgium in 2017). HCB 
emission data from the United Kingdom reported 
for the category '1A1a — Public electricity and heat 
production' also show an increasing trend in recent 
years. The United Kingdom reported that the HCB 
emissions are from burning municipal solid waste, and 
that increasing emissions reflect changes in quantities 
of waste burnt (see the United Kingdom's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

In	Table 4.1,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.2	shows	
the recalculations within the sector group 'energy 
production and distribution'. For explanations of EU 
recalculations, see Section 5.1.

NOx

NMVOC

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

HCB

PCB

1A1a

1B2ai

1B2aiv

1B2av

1A1a

1A1b

1B2aiv

1A1a

1A1a

1A1a

1A1a

1A1b

1A1a

1A1a

1B2aiv

1A1a

1A1a

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

1

1

0

5

0

2

0

6

4

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

102

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.2 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'energy production 
and distribution' 

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

%

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

0

1

2

-1

1

2

-2

4

0

123

162

264

6

2

0

-7

-10

0

1

1

0

5

3

6

195

470

307

251

118

5

-19

5

2

0

-10

-11

1

-1

-1

1

8

2

20

165

424

271

218

99

3

-16

3

2

-1

-3

1

-8

-3

1

19

4

116

-2

5

2

4

-6

16

0

-1

-2

0

245

15

7

3

-1

-3

0

219

15

7

3

-2

-4

0

132

16

7

2

-1

-5

-1

130

20

5

3

-2

-4

-1

115

24

5

4

-1

-5

-1

111

15

6

3

-13

-14

-15

-17

-17

-17

-11

-6

2

-6

2

-9

2

-5

2

-3

3

4

2

-2

-5

-1

102

15

4

1

-9

6

3

-12

-13

-13

-14

-13

-11

-10

-5

-2

21

0

-7

-2

20

-3

-7

-2

21

-3

-6

-2

21

-2

-7

-3

25

-4

-6

2

24

-5

0

4

25

1

-2

-5

0

73

16

4

2

-7

12

4

-8

0

3

22

1

-2

-6

1

91

16

3

0

-1

9

4

-7

0

3

28

0

-2

-5

-1

73

19

2

2

0

11

8

4

6

-3

27

1

-2

-5

1

81

19

4

4

0

7

8

3

8

2

27

1

522

816

891

849

1 011

876

867

890

853

803

735

1

-1

-2

1

-2

13

1

1

-1

-2

1

-2

11

1

0

-2

-3

1

-2

12

0

1

-2

-3

1

-3

11

-1

1

-3

-4

1

-1

11

0

1

-2

-3

1

-3

10

0

1

-2

-3

1

-4

11

0

1

-2

-2

1

-3

10

0

1

-2

-2

0

0

11

0

1

-4

-3

0

2

10

2

1

-4

-3

0

3

5

2

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

6

10

13

25

26

22

26

26

25

25

25

20

31

32

24

32

35

22

23

24

18

24

24

16

22

24

-4

17

19

12

17

18

20

13

13

16

4.2  Sectoral analysis and emission 

trends for 'energy use in industry'

The 'energy use in industry' sector is a primary 
source for HMs. According to the size of the absolute 
values the countries reported, Poland, Italy and Spain 
contributed most to the emissions of Pb in this sector 
in 2016. For Cd, Poland, Spain and Italy reported the 
highest emissions. Poland, Italy and France contributed 
most to the emissions of Hg.

Energy use (fuel combustion) in industry is an 
important source of many pollutants. For the 
main pollutants, the highest absolute and relative 
reduction	(-88 %)	between	1990	and	2016	was	for	SOx 
(see Figure 4.3).

The strong decrease in CO emissions between 2008 
and 2009 results from emission reductions reported by 
several countries, especially Belgium, France, Germany 
and Italy, and might have been caused by the economic 
crisis.

The dip in PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in 2009 is due to 
data reported by several countries, and might have 
been caused by the economic crisis. Data reported by 
Estonia, Spain and the United Kingdom in the category 
'1A2gviii — Stationary combustion in manufacturing 
industries and construction: Other' mainly caused the 
increase of the PM2.5 and PM10 in 2015.

Of the three HMs, Hg shows the highest reduction in 
relative	terms	(-66 %)	(see	Figure 4.4(a)).

103

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Figure 4.3 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'energy use in industry' for NOx, SOx, PMs and CO 
between 1990 (2000) and 2016

Gg

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

  0

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

CO

NOx

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Figure 4.4 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'energy use in industry' (a) for the HMs 
(Pb, Cd and Hg), and (b) for POPs (PCDD/Fs and HCB) between 1990 and 2016

(a)

Index (1990 = 100)

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

Pb emissions decreased between 1996 and 
1997, peaked in 2008, decreased considerably 
between 2008 and 2009, and increased between 
2013 and 2014. This pattern is mainly because of 
Bulgaria's data for '1A2b — Stationary combustion 
in manufacturing industries and construction: 
Non-ferrous metals', accentuated by drops in Pb 
emissions in the categories '1A2a — Stationary 
combustion in manufacturing industries and 
construction: Iron and steel' and '1A2b — Stationary 
combustion in manufacturing industries and 
construction: Non-ferrous metals' reported by Italy 
from	1996	to	1997	as	well	as	between	2008	and 2009.

The strong decrease in Hg emissions between 2008 
and 2009 is due to reductions that several countries 

reported, especially Italy and Slovakia, and might have 
been caused by the economic crisis in 2009.

The high Cd emissions from 1995 to 1997 reflect 
high levels reported by Poland. The decrease in 
Cd emissions between 2008 and 2009 is caused by 
reductions that several countries reported.

Among POPs, PCDD/Fs are key pollutants in the sector 
group	'energy	use	in	industry'.	Figure 4.4(b)	presents	
trends for these pollutants.

The trend in PCDD/F emissions from 1990 until 2000 
is mainly attributable to the data reported by France, 
with PCDD/F emissions peaks from 1994 to 1995 
in the categories '1A2a — Stationary combustion 

104

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.3 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 'energy 
use in industry'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

NOx

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

1A2f

1A2gvii

1A2gviii

1A2a

1A2c

1A2f

1A2gviii

1A2f

1A2gviii

1A2f

1A2gviii

1A2a

1A2f

1A2gvii

1A2a

1A2b

1A2f

1A2a

1A2b

1A2c

1A2f

1A2gviii

1A2a

1A2b

1A2f

PCDD/Fs

1A2gviii

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

1

1

0

0

1

0

0

2

1

1

0

1

0

1

0

2

1

0

2

4

1

2

4

1

1

0

2

4

1

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

2

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

in manufacturing industries and construction: Iron 
and steel' and '1A2b — Stationary combustion 
in manufacturing industries and construction: 
Non-ferrous metals'.  The dip 2009 is due to data 
reported by several countries, and might have been 
caused by the economic crisis.

In	Table 4.3,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.4	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'energy use 
in industry'. For explanations of EU recalculations, 
see Section	5.1.

4.3  Sectoral analysis and emission 

trends for 'industrial processes and 
product use'

The 'industrial processes and product use' sector 
grouping refers to emissions from industrial sources 
other than those arising from fuel combustion within 
the industrial sector. This is the primary sector group 
for NMVOC, B(a)P, total PAH, HCB and PCB emissions, 
and makes significant contributions to emissions of 
HMs, PMs, and PCDD/Fs. The following ranking of the 
countries is according to the size of the absolute values 
they reported. Of all the countries that reported data, 
Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy contributed 
most to NMVOC emissions. The largest contributions 
to B(a)P and total PAH emissions were reported by 
Portugal. For HCB emissions, the largest contributions 
were reported by Finland, Portugal and Austria. 
Portugal, the United Kingdom and Italy contributed 
most to PCB emissions in the 'industrial processes 
and	product	use'	sector	in	2016.	Figure 4.5	shows	past	
trends in emissions of the relevant main pollutants.

105

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.4 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions 
of the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'energy use in 
industry' 

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

%

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

1

23

-11

56

3

4

-2

-3

-6

3

3

2

-9

-36

0

-52

36

92

65

60

Total PAHs

-49

-8

-49

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

-1

32

-11

56

4

5

-3

-6

-5

0

-8

0

-11

-52

-2

-45

82

164

131

128

-46

-78

-44

0

32

-1

78

-5

-1

-7

-4

-4

-3

-23

-2

-13

-64

-5

-13

138

256

244

255

-19

-75

13

-5

20

-1

61

1

-2

-7

-6

-3

-2

-16

-1

-15

-68

-5

4

102

68

79

79

-18

-23

16

-6

20

-3

55

0

-2

-7

-5

-2

-2

-17

-1

-11

-64

-7

2

95

53

73

72

-20

-24

15

-4

22

-4

72

2

-2

-9

-5

-2

-2

-15

-3

-7

-65

-7

-1

93

64

72

73

-21

-28

12

-4

22

-7

69

1

-2

-8

-5

-2

-3

-16

-3

-10

-63

-7

3

-6

-3

-3

-18

-2

-10

-62

-8

-1

105

111

69

80

81

-23

-29

13

72

83

85

-30

-40

16

-4

22

-16

75

-2

-2

-5

22

-20

79

-2

-3

-4

23

-20

51

-3

-6

-5

25

-16

54

-3

-5

-5

23

-4

50

-1

-6

-6

23

0

44

-1

-7

-5

27

2

63

2

-2

-10

-10

-12

-11

-11

-11

-11

-6

-2

-3

-7

-3

-3

-6

-2

-3

-12

-19

-20

-3

-9

-64

-9

-2

92

62

70

72

-32

-42

12

-3

-9

-61

-10

-5

67

45

49

51

-40

-37

-1

-3

-9

-61

-10

-5

69

47

51

55

-41

-15

-2

-6

-1

-3

-19

-3

-12

-60

-10

-4

67

45

48

52

-7

-1

-2

-21

-4

-11

-60

-10

-5

78

51

57

61

-45

-43

-4

-5

-4

-3

-6

-1

-2

-18

-3

-16

-36

-7

-7

71

48

52

57

-43

-37

-7

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

22

9

24

13

23

12

27

15

26

15

24

12

25

13

25

12

27

13

29

15

28

15

32

19

8

10

9

11

11

11

11

11

13

11

7

17

Data from France for the category '2C1 — Iron and 
steel production' have a great influence on the trend 
in emissions of CO. In France, the emissions of CO 
from category 2C1 fluctuate over the years, depending 
on the amount of blast furnace gas that is produced, 
reused or flared. The amounts depend on the operating 
conditions and how feasible it is for iron and steel 
or colliery plants to reuse the gas that blast furnaces 
continuously produce. This may fluctuate a great deal 
from one year to another, resulting in peaks (1995, 2004 
and 2010) or troughs (1992, 2001 and 2009) (personal 
communication by France in 2013). The CO emissions 
peak in 2013 follows the peak reported by Belgium in the 
category '2A2 — Lime production'. Belgium reported that 
the sudden increase in 2013 was due to a plant where 
the lime production occurred without oxygen (reducing 
atmosphere)	(see	Belgium's	IRR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

The decrease in SOx emissions from 1990 to 1991, 
the increase from 1999 to 2000 and the decrease 
from 2008 to 2009 mainly reflect emission data 
from Germany reported for several categories. The 
decrease in SOx emissions from 1990 to 1991 is 
caused by reductions in categories '2H1 — Pulp and 
paper industry', '2B10a — Chemical industry: Other', 
'2C1 — Iron and steel production' and '2A6 — Other 
mineral products'. The increase from 1999 to 2000 
and the decrease from 2008 to 2009 in SOx emissions 
mainly reflect emission data reported in the category 
'2C1 — Iron and steel production'. The decrease in 
SOx emissions from 1995 to 1996 is due to reductions 
in the category '2B10a — Chemical industry: Other' 
that Italy reported.

106

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

In 2009, many countries reported a decrease in the 
PM10 emissions, for instance France, Germany and the 
United Kingdom. The high PM10 emissions between 
2010 and 2012 mainly reflect the data reported 
by Greece and Portugal in the category '2A5b — 
Construction and demolition'. In 2015, Bulgaria and 

Figure 4.5 

EU emission trends in the sector 
group 'industrial processes' for 
NMVOCs, SOx CO and PM between 
1990 (2000) and 2016

Gg

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

7 000

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

SOx
NMVOCs

PM2.5
CO

PM10

Hungary reported peaks in the PM10 emissions in the 
categories '2D3b — Road paving with asphalt' and 
'2A5b — Construction and demolition', respectively.

'Industrial processes and product use' make 
a considerable	contribution	to	the	total	EU	emissions	
of HMs, despite seeing considerable reductions 
since	1990.	Figure 4.6(a)	shows	past	emission	trends	
for these pollutants. Hg shows the highest relative 
reduction	in	emissions	between	1990	and	2016	(81 %).

The trend in Cd emissions between 1990 and 2007 
mainly reflects emission data from Slovakia reported 
in the category '2A3 — Glass production'. In 2007, 
most Slovak glass operators ceased production. 
(see Slovakia's	IRR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	In	following	
years, the trend in Cd emissions is due to data reported 
by several countries. The decrease in Pb emissions 
between 2008 and 2009 is caused by reductions that 
several countries reported, presumably due to the 
economic crisis in 2009. The reduction in Pb emissions 
between 2010 and 2011 reflects the significant 
emission decrease in Latvia in the category '2C1 — Iron 
and steel production' due to change of furnace type 
in metal production. Overall, between 2010 and 2011, 
Latvia's total emissions of Pb (national total) decreased 
by	98 %	(see	Latvia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for CO and NMVOCs.

Among POPs, the highest relative reduction between 
1990	and	2016	occurred	for	HCB	(97 %)	(Figure 4.6(b)).

Figure 4.6 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'industrial processes and product use' (a) for the HMs 
(Pb, Cd, Hg), and (b) for the POPs (PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, HCB and PCBs) and B(a)P between 
1990 and 2016

(a)

Index (1990 = 100)

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

B(a)P

Notes: 

The right-hand axis gives values for B(a)P.

For	B(a)P,	data	from	Austria,	Italy	and	Spain	could	not	be	gap-filled,	as	the	countries	did	not	report	values	for	any	year.	To	enable	
presentation of provisional EU emission trends, the emissions have been aggregated without including data for these Member States.

107

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016	
Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

The considerable change in HCB emissions is mainly the 
result of an increase in '2C3 — Aluminium production' 
in the United Kingdom until 1998. The largest source of 
HCB emissions for the years 1990-1998 in the United 
Kingdom was the use of HCE as a degassing agent in 
secondary aluminium smelting. Specific regulation 
controlling the use of HCE led to emissions from this 
sector being zero from 1999 onwards, and thus led to 
an overall sharp decrease in HCB emissions between 
1998 and 1999 (personal communication by the United 
Kingdom in 2017).

The steep drop in PCBs from 1999 to 2000 is caused by 
falls in emissions from the category '2K — Consumption 
of POPs and heavy metals (e.g. electrical and scientific 
equipment)' that the United Kingdom reported. This 
Member State explained that there was a sharp 
decrease in PCB emissions generated by capacitors 
between 1999 and 2000 (personal communication by 
the United Kingdom in 2017).

The changes in the total PAHs follow the data reported 
by Portugal in the category '2D3g — Chemical 
products'.	For	2016,	76 %	of	the	total	B(a)P	emissions	
can be attributed to the sector group 'industrial 
processes and product use' due to data reported by 
Portugal in the category '2D3g — Chemical products'.

In	Table 4.5,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.6	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'industrial 
processes and product use'. For explanations 
of EU recalculations see Section 5.1.

Table 4.5 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 
'industrial processes and product use'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

2B10a

2D3a

2D3d

2D3e

2D3g

2D3h

2D3i

2H2

2B10a

2C1

2G

2A5a

2A5b

2C1

2D3b

2L

2C1

2C1

2C1

2C7a

2G

2B10a

2C1

2C1

NMVOC

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

Total PAHs

2D3g

B(a)P

HCB

PCB

2D3g

2B10a

2C3

2C1

2K

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

3

6

0

0

1

3

0

5

1

1

17

16

11

8

2

9

5

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

5

4

0

1

0

4

0

13

4

4

4

10

0

5

4

4

0

0

5

7

4

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

4

5

0

2

1

2

0

0

0

0

3

0

1

10

10

6

8

0

4

108

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.6 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'industrial processes 
and product use'

%

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 2015

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

4

0

13

38

14

2

-8

14

0

34

-3

28

11

29

0

4

1

7

30

16

-4

-11

16

-1

13

-4

60

10

31

0

PCDD/Fs

-29

-22

6

1

4

32

19

1

-7

21

0

7

0

66

8

24

1

-6

4

2

6

37

29

4

-8

23

2

6

4

56

10

58

1

10

3

2

7

28

31

4

-10

27

2

6

4

49

11

30

1

9

3

2

6

18

26

5

4

36

2

7

4

51

13

35

1

8

3

2

5

27

30

5

4

39

0

6

4

50

12

27

0

6

3

2

6

38

31

7

5

52

3

11

4

63

12

28

1

7

5

2

10

28

36

6

5

58

2

10

1

60

13

33

1

6

6

2

11

34

36

7

7

54

3

14

2

58

17

20

1

7

6

2

10

26

40

8

7

58

3

15

4

63

20

21

1

8

5

1

9

30

25

8

7

62

5

19

3

73

17

21

2

8

6

1

10

32

25

-3

7

61

7

13

2

65

16

23

1

11

5

1

10

43

27

-2

7

63

4

12

5

62

25

22

2

9

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total 
PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM 2.5

PM10

BC

1 331

4 308 26 652 14 869 11 726 10 370

9 425 17 813 14 319

9 812

8 953

6 338

6 810 9 123

3

12

7

152

-15

18

2

14

7

18

81

47

-59

-48

-37

-61

-49

-47

-59

-49

-35

-65

-58

-46

-70

-71

-15

-74

-74

-33

-71

-71

-29

-72

-71

-34

372

1 055

1 530

1 266

1 127

1 174

2 396

1 720

1 202

1 056

-21

31

13

80

39

28

84

29

55

27

85

29

114

46

230

40

121

43

257

50

-71

-71

-38

781

257

50

-71

-70

-38

-71

-71

-41

809 1 151

150

204

49

50

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 2015

11

16

45

15

23

67

15

24

58

14

21

41

14

24

59

16

24

16

26

106

117

15

28

47

15

32

72

11

19

49

12

19

52

14

21

61

4.4  Sectoral analysis and emission 

trends for 'commercial, institutional 
and households'

emissions. Poland, Italy and Romania emitted the 
largest proportion of PM10 in 2016. Poland, Italy and 
France contributed most to CO emissions.

As	indicated	in	Chapter 2,	fuel	combustion	by	
commercial and institutional facilities and households 
makes an important contribution to the total emissions 
of many pollutants.

Of the main pollutants, the highest relative reduction 
between 1990 and 2016 for the sector grouping was 
again in SOx	(86 %).	In	contrast,	PM	emissions	have	
changed	little	since	2000	(see	Figure 4.7).

The 'commercial, institutional and households' sector 
is the primary sector group for PM2.5, PM10 and CO, and 
an important sector group for NOx, NMVOC, SOx, B(a)P, 
Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/F, total PAH, HCB and PCB emissions. 
The following ranking of the countries is according 
to the size of the absolute values they reported. For 
PM2.5, Italy, Romania and France reported the highest 

The decrease of CO emissions between 1990 and 
1992 reflects data from Germany in the categories 
'1A4ai — Commercial/institutional: Stationary' and 
'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary'. The Member State 
explained that the main driver of the CO emission 
trends is decreasing lignite consumption. Since 1990, 
fuel use has changed from solid fuels, causing high 

109

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

CO emissions, to gaseous fuels, producing much lower 
emissions	(see Germany's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
The increase in CO emissions from 1992 to 1993 
reflects data from Poland in the category '1A4bi — 
Residential: Stationary'. The peak in 1996 reflects data 
from France and Poland. The low CO emissions in 2002 
and the decreases in 2011 and 2014 reflect data from 
Italy and France for the category '1A4bi — Residential: 
Stationary'.

The decreases in SOx and NMVOC emissions between 
1990 and 1992 are because Germany reduced 
emissions. Germany explained that SO2 emissions 
decreased due to the fuel switch from coal (especially 
lignite with a high emission factor) to natural gas with a 
lower emission factor. A further reduction in emissions 
of SO2 from 2008 onwards can be explained by the 
increasing use of fuel oil with low sulphur content. 
The main driver of the NMVOC emissions reported 
by Germany is decreasing lignite consumption. In the 
residential sector the emission trend is also affected 
by the increasing use of firewood with high emission 
factors, which counteracts the reduction in SO2 
emissions. Since 1990, fuel use has changed from solid 
fuels causing high NMVOC emissions to gaseous fuels 
producing much lower emissions (see Germany's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

Figure 4.7 

EU emission trends in the sector 
group 'commercial, institutional and 
households' for NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, 
PMs and CO between 1990 (2000) 
and 2016

Gg

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

500

0

18 000

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx

PM2.5

NMVOCs

PM10

SOx

CO

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for CO.

Of the three HMs in the sector 'commercial, institutional 
and households', Pb shows the highest reduction, both 
absolutely	and	relatively	(52 %)	(see	Figure 4.8(a)).

The data reported by Italy in the category '1A4bi — 
Residential: Stationary' caused the dip in NMVOC 
emissions in 2011. 

The trend in emissions of Cd largely reflects data 
from Italy, whereas Italy and Poland contribute most 

Figure 4.8 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'commercial, institutional and households' (a) for the 
HMs (Pb, Cd and Hg), and (b) for the POPs (PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, B(a)P, HCB and PCBs) between 
1990 and 2016

(a)

Index (1990 = 100)

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

B(a)P

Notes:	

For	B(a)P,	data	from	Austria,	Italy	and	Spain	could	not	be	gap-filled,	as	the	countries	did	not	report	values	for	any	year.	To	enable	
presentation of provisional EU emission trends, the emissions have been aggregated without including data for these Member States.

110

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.7 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 
'commercial, institutional and 
households'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

NOx

NMVOC

SOx

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4cii

1A4bi

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4cii

1A4bi

1A4ci

1A4cii

1A4bi

1A4bii

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4ai

1A4bi

1A4bi

1A4bi

Total PAHs

1A4bi

HCB

PCB

1A4bi

1A4bi

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

to the Pb emission trend. The Cd emissions mainly 
relate to Italy's category '1A4ai — Commercial/
institutional: Stationary'. Concerning the positive 
trend in Cd emissions in 2008, Romania also reported 
an increase in the category '1A4bi — Residential: 
Stationary'. The decrease in Pb emissions from 
1990 to 1992 is the result of emission reductions 
reported by several countries, especially Germany 
and Italy, which reduced their emissions considerably 
in the categories '1A5b — Other, mobile (including 
military, land based and recreational boats)' and 
'1A4cii — Agriculture/forestry/fishing: Off-road vehicles 
and other machinery', respectively. The peak visible in 

2010 in the Pb emissions relates to the emission data of 
Poland in the category '1A4bi — Residential: Stationary'.

The trend for Hg largely reflects data from Italy for the 
category '1A4ai — Commercial/institutional: Stationary'. 
Italy's emissions of Hg from non-industrial combustion 
plants reported in the sector group 'commercial, 
institutional	and	households'	represent	32 %	of	the	
national total emissions of Hg in 2016 (see Italy's 
IIR	from	2017,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	The	Hg	peak	in	
1991 reflects	data	from	France	for	the	category	'1A4bi	
— Residential: Stationary'.

Among POPs relevant to the 'commercial, institutional 
and households' sector, the highest absolute 
and	relative	reduction	occurred	for	HCB	(61 %)	
(see Figure 4.8(b)).

The trend in emissions of PCB largely reflects data 
from Poland for the category '1A4bi — Residential: 
Stationary'. Poland's emissions of PCB from 
non-industrial combustion plants reported in the sector 
group 'commercial, institutional and households' are 
the dominant source of PCB emissions making up 
73 %	of	the	national	total	emissions	of	PCB	in	2016.	
Compared with 2015, national total emissions in 
2016	increased	by	about	1 %.	The	main	reason	for	
this change was a higher consumption of hard coal 
in the residential sector (see Poland's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

Further, the trend for HCB largely reflects data from 
Austria and the Czech Republic for the category 
'1A4bi — Residential: Stationary'. The increase in the 
emission data from 2001 to 2003 also results from 
high emissions reported by Italy in the category '1A4ai 
— Commercial/institutional:	Stationary'.

The trend in total emissions of PAHs between 1990 and 
2000 largely reflects data from the Czech Republic and 
Poland. The strong decrease of total PAHs and B(a)P from 
1990 to 1992 and the peaks in 2010 and 2013 reflect 
data that Germany reported in the category '1A4bi — 
Residential: Stationary'. Emissions from Poland reported 
in the same category are the reason for the peak in total 
PAHs and B(a)P total emissions in 1993.

In	Table 4.7,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.8	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'commercial, 
institutional and households'. For explanations 
of EU recalculations see Section 5.1.

111

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.8 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions 
of the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'commercial, 
institutional and households' 

%

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM 2.5

PM10

BC

1

5

-5

3

3

3

1

1

2

0

2

1

0

2

0

0

2

-1

111

117

110

111

107

104

2

4

-19

-9

14

-49

-10

-32

-25

84

-43

-45

15

26

24

30

-45

145

-9

8

4

-30

-17

14

-53

-12

-35

-26

59

-48

-41

12

17

15

19

-65

48

-7

4

1

-30

-4

25

-48

-8

-32

-16

50

-34

-25

6

17

10

17

-3

4

-1

0

2

-34

-1

22

-58

-15

-37

-22

55

-43

1

1

1

-1

1

0

1

-2

0

1

-36

-2

21

-62

-18

-39

-27

54

-47

1

1

1

-1

1

1

7

-2

0

1

-31

0

17

-60

-17

-38

-25

54

-44

1

1

1

-1

0

0

3

-2

0

2

-1

99

-1

1

-32

0

17

-61

-18

-38

-27

60

-44

0

2

1

-1

2

1

5

-2

0

2

-2

0

2

0

0

3

1

1

4

1

0

3

1

1

5

2

1

5

3

100

104

102

104

110

111

110

-1

1

-33

-2

14

-62

-18

-38

-29

65

-44

0

2

2

0

2

1

13

-2

0

1

-33

-2

14

-64

-20

-39

-43

58

-46

0

3

3

1

3

1

28

-2

0

1

-33

0

18

-63

-18

-38

-40

62

-44

1

4

3

2

4

2

31

-2

0

1

-33

1

10

-63

-19

-38

-40

62

-44

1

4

3

2

5

2

46

-2

0

1

-31

1

10

-63

-18

-37

-39

62

-43

0

4

3

2

5

2

33

-2

2

2

-29

3

6

-63

-18

-36

-37

54

-43

0

5

4

3

5

4

61

-2

1

2

-27

5

12

-63

-16

-35

-36

73

-41

0

4

3

2

5

3

57

-2

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

5

5

8

0

0

5

0

0

5

0

0

4

0

0

5

-1

-1

4

0

0

5

0

0

6

0

0

5

0

0

4

2

2

6

1

1

5

4.5  Sectoral analysis and emission 
trends for 'road transport'

The individual NFR sources that make up the 
'road transport' sector group together contribute 
considerably to emissions of a number of pollutants, 
including NOx, CO, Pb, PM2.5, PM10 and NMVOCs. 
Figure 4.9	and	Figure 4.10	show	the	past	emission	
trends for these pollutants in this sector.

France, Germany and Italy contributed most 
(in absolute	terms)	to	NOx, PM2.5 and PM10 emissions 
in the 'road transport' sector in 2016. The following 
ranking of the countries is according to the size of 
the absolute values they reported. For CO, Germany, 
Poland and Italy reported the highest emissions. 
Germany, France and Spain contributed most to the 
emissions of Pb, and Italy, Germany and Poland most 
to the emissions of NMVOCs in this sector in 2016.

112

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Figure 4.9 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'road transport' for NOx, NMVOCs, PMs and CO 
between 1990 (2000) and 2016

Gg

9 000

8 000

7 000

6 000

5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

  0

Index (1990 = 100)

40 000

120

35 000

30 000

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

NOx
PM10

NMVOCs

CO

PM2.5

NOx
PM10

NMVOCs

CO

PM2.5

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for CO.

Figure 4.10 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'road transport' (a) for the priority HM Pb, and (b) for 
PCDD/Fs between 1990 and 2016

(a)

Index (1990 = 100)

(b)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Pb

PCDD/Fs

113

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.9 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 'road 
transport'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

NOx

NMVOC

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Pb

1A3bi

1A3bii

1A3biii

1A3bi

1A3biv

1A3bv

1A3bi

1A3bii

1A3biii

1A3bvi

1A3bvii

1A3bi

1A3biii

1A3bvi

1A3bvii

1A3bi

1A3biv

1A3bi

1A3bvi

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

1

For the 'road transport' sector, the main HM is Pb, 
showing	a	high	relative	reduction	in	emissions	(98 %)	
between	1990	and	2016	(see	Figure 4.10(a)).	However,	
in recent years, little progress has been made in further 
reducing emissions from road transport, and in the 
last 3 years total emissions of Pb have even slightly 
increased. The promotion of unleaded petrol within 
the EU and in other EEA member countries through 
a combination of fiscal and regulatory measures 
has been a success story. For example, EU Member 
States have completely phased out the use of leaded 
petrol. Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of 
petrol and diesel fuels (EU, 1998) regulated that goal. 
Nevertheless, the 'road transport' sector remains a 
key	source	of	Pb,	contributing	around	17 %	of	total	
Pb emissions in the EU.

Of the POPs, PCDD/Fs are  the most important in the 
'road	transport'	sector	group.	Figure 4.10(b)	shows	
past emission trends for this group of pollutants. Its 
reduction	from	1990	to	2016	was	72 %.

The trend in emissions of PCDD/Fs reflects mainly 
data reported by the United Kingdom in the category 
'1A3bi — Road transport: Passenger cars'. The United 
Kingdom reported that the emissions are associated 
with compounds previously added to leaded petrol. 
Consequently, the emissions of PCDD/Fs decreased in 
line with Pb emissions from the 'road transport' sector 
(see	the	United	Kingdom's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

In	Table 4.9,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.10	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'road transport'. 
For explanations of EU recalculations see Section 5.1.

114

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.10 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'road transport'

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

%

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM 2.5

PM10

BC

3

1

0

2

-4

3

1

1

1

-1

5

1

2

6

-25

19

-23

21

2

4

4

85

19

-6

-3

5

7

7

7

-35

-24

-36

1

0

3

20

19

-6

-9

5

6

6

6

-39

-27

-63

0

-3

-7

2

2

2

14

-20

27

1

-2

2

17

17

-7

0

6

6

6

6

-8

-35

-74

1

2

-1

0

4

5

0

-17

29

1

-2

2

17

17

-6

2

7

8

8

8

-2

-42

-80

1

2

1

0

4

3

0

-17

29

1

-2

2

17

17

-6

1

7

8

8

8

-2

-45

-81

1

3

-2

0

4

3

-1

-17

30

1

-2

2

16

16

-6

1

7

8

8

8

-2

-48

-82

0

3

-2

-1

3

4

-2

-18

30

1

-3

1

14

15

-6

1

7

8

8

8

-3

-52

-83

1

2

-6

0

4

2

-1

-18

31

1

-2

1

15

16

-6

0

8

9

9

9

-2

-56

-83

1

3

-5

0

4

2

-3

-19

26

-1

-5

0

12

14

-6

0

8

9

9

9

-2

-58

-84

1

3

-2

0

3

2

-3

-20

30

-1

-5

0

11

13

-6

0

8

9

9

9

-2

-59

-84

1

3

-7

-1

3

1

-3

-20

29

-2

-6

0

10

12

-6

0

8

8

8

8

-3

-58

-84

2

3

-7

0

3

2

-3

-20

28

-2

-6

0

10

12

-6

-1

8

8

8

9

-4

-61

-79

2

3

-7

0

4

2

-3

-20

29

0

4

1

12

13

-6

0

9

9

9

9

-1

-62

-76

2

1

-6

0

3

1

-3

-22

-8

-8

3

0

8

9

-6

-3

9

8

9

8

-4

-62

-76

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2

2

4

3

4

6

3

4

6

3

4

6

2

4

5

3

5

6

3

4

6

3

4

6

2

4

6

3

4

6

3

5

6

2

4

6

115

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

4.6  Sectoral analysis and emission 
trends for 'non-road transport'

Figure 4.11 

Within this report, emissions from 
international/domestic aviation and shipping are 
reported	as	a simple	sum	of	the	emissions	from	each	
of the Member States. Accordingly, emissions from 
international/domestic aviation and shipping are 
not divided into those occurring within the EU and 
those that cross the geographical boundaries of the 
EU. However, the guidelines (UNECE, 2014a) define 
international emissions as those that start in one 
country and finish in another. Thus, the reporting 
matches the guidelines.

An important pollutant in the 'non-road transport' 
sector group is NOx.  The following ranking of the 
countries is according to the size of the absolute values 
they reported. The United Kingdom, Italy and Spain 
contributed most (in absolute terms) to the emissions 
of NOx, Italy, the United Kingdom and Greece most to 
the emissions of SOx and France, Italy and the United 
Kingdom most to the CO emissions in 2016. 

Gg

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

The increase in SOx emissions reflects the gap-filled 
data for  Greece in 2016 in the category '1A3dii — 
National navigation (shipping)'.

Table 4.11 

EU emission trends in the sector 
group 'non-road transport' for NOx, 
PM2.5, SOx and CO between 1990 
and 2016

1 200

1 050

900

750

600

450

300

150

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

SOx

PM2.5

CO

NOx

Notes: 

The right-hand axis gives values for NOx.

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 
'non-road transport'

Key categories
1A3dii
NOx

PM2.5

1A3dii

NA

NO

NR

0

0

0

0

0

0

NE

0

0

The 'non-road transport' sector group does not 
contribute a great deal to HM and POP emissions. 
Therefore, trends for pollutants from these two 
groups of	substances	are	not	shown.	

For B(a)P, data from Austria, Italy and Spain could not 
be gap-filled, as the countries did not report values 
for any year. To enable presentation of provisional EU 
emission trends, the emissions have been aggregated 
without including data for these Member States.

In	Table 4.11,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.12	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'non-road 
transport'. For explanations of EU recalculations 
see Section	5.1.

116

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.12 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'non-road transport'

%

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

9

-6

18

1

24

-4

9

-20

37

52

13

-1

20

8

26

-3

0

-20

45

69

14

-2

18

9

25

-1

1

-19

50

87

12

-2

18

7

30

-2

2

-19

44

107

10

-3

3

6

33

-2

2

-18

42

88

12

-2

3

6

30

-1

2

9

48

104

9

-3

3

6

27

-2

2

6

41

96

12

-3

-16

6

32

-2

2

12

50

9

-4

8

6

30

1

2

10

49

120

105

9

-5

-1

5

26

1

2

8

47

87

10

-6

3

5

28

0

2

10

44

104

9

-7

-5

5

27

0

2

11

47

91

14

-6

-3

6

30

2

2

12

63

107

13

-8

-14

8

29

0

2

9

66

60

2 075

1 845

2 366

2 499

2 393

2 733

2 840

2 501

2 696

2 738

3 133

3 043

3 719

3 821

139

136

15

48

-18

2

11

6

18

-31

23

8

132

138

21

63

-16

3

14

6

22

-38

31

13

117

184

21

67

-14

2

13

5

20

-7

37

17

119

214

22

67

-14

5

15

4

17

5

34

21

126

191

20

65

-23

5

15

4

17

4

32

20

133

253

22

71

-11

4

14

4

18

4

37

21

130

248

18

70

-13

5

13

3

16

4

31

19

122

252

27

83

-10

5

13

4

17

5

44

26

129

249

22

78

-8

4

11

3

16

5

39

21

127

233

19

76

-13

4

10

3

16

4

33

17

132

274

19

79

-13

3

8

2

12

4

33

18

132

252

18

85

-14

3

8

2

12

5

32

16

150

305

23

97

5

3

8

1

12

7

44

17

155

258

22

95

1

2

7

1

12

8

33

11

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

21

29

10

26

34

12

29

38

13

25

34

11

22

26

8

27

-12

14

25

-2

11

20

13

8

21

24

7

20

10

6

23

19

8

21

22

9

4.7  Sectoral analysis and emission 

trends for 'agriculture'

The 'agriculture' sector group is responsible for the 
vast majority of NH3 emissions in the EU. According to 
the size of the absolute values the countries reported 
Germany, France and Spain contributed most (in 
absolute terms) to emissions of NH3 in 2016.

Agricultural emissions of NH3	have	decreased	by	24 %	
since	1990	(see	Figure 4.12).

In addition, the 'agriculture' sector causes considerable 
NMVOCs and PM10 emissions. 

cattle' and '3B1a — Manure management — Dairy 
cattle'. The emissions of NMVOCs increased in 2000 
because Romania started to report data in this year. 
Between 1990 and 1999, data for Romania could not be 
gap-filled.

During the period 2000-2016, PM10 emissions decreased 
by	merely	13 %.	Data,	reported	by	Spain	in	the	category	
'3F — Field burning of agricultural residues', reflect the 
decrease of PM10 emissions in 2001. 

For the POPs, the sector 'agriculture' contributes 
considerably to emissions of total PAHs and HCB 
emissions.Figure 4.13	shows	past	emission	trends	for	
these pollutants.

The decrease in emissions of NMVOCs between 1990 
and 1991 reflects data reported by Germany mainly in 
categories '3B1b — Manure management — Non-dairy 

The trend in emissions of total PAHs largely reflects 
data that Spain reported for the category '3F — Field 

117

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Figure 4.12 

EU emission trends in the sector 
group 'agriculture' for NMVOCs, 
NH3 and PM10 between 1990 (2000) 
and 2016

Figure 4.13 

EU emission trends in the sector 
group 'agriculture' for POPs 
(total PAHs and HCB) between 
1990 and 2016

Gg

1 200

1 000

800

600

400

200

0

Index (1990 = 100)

6 000

120

5 000

100

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

0

80

60

40

20

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

PM10

NMVOCs

NH3

Total PAHs

HCB

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for NH3.

Table 4.13 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 
'agriculture'

Key categories

NA

NO

NR

NE

NOx

NMVOC

NH3

PM10

3Da1

3B1a

3B1b

3B1a

3B1b

3B3

3B4gi

3Da1

3Da2a

3Da3

3B4gi

3B4gii

3Dc

Total PAHs

3F

2

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

HCB

2Df

21

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

12

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

4

burning of agricultural residues'. Spain explained that 
high emissions of total PAHs have notably decreased, 
particularly between 1999 and 2003. This is due to a 
progressive decrease in field burning of agricultural 
residues, which has been restricted by a combination of 
legislation aimed at preventing forest fires, the fact that 
the EU's common agricultural policy's conditionality rules 
entered into force and national mitigation programmes 
aimed at the reduction of field burning of agricultural 
waste (personal communication by Spain in 2017).

The trend in emissions of HCB largely reflects data that 
the United Kingdom reported for the category '3Df 
— Use of pesticides', but in 1991 also the emissions 
reported by Germany in the same category. HCB occurs 
as an impurity or a by-product in the manufacture 
of several pesticides currently in use in the United 
Kingdom (chlorothalonil and chlorthal-dimenthyl) or 
used in the past (quintozene). Following the application 
to agricultural land, pesticides would volatilise 
from deposits on plant or soil into the atmosphere. 
Estimates	for	HCB	assume	that	more	than	70 %	of	the	
new	HCB	is	emitted	into	the	atmosphere.	Over	95 %	
of the HCB emission into the atmosphere is through 
the use of chlorthalonil (see the United Kingdom's IIR, 
listed in Appendix 5). 

In	Table 4.13,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.14	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'agriculture'. 
For explanations of EU recalculations see Section 5.1.

118

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.14 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'agriculture'

%

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

PCDD/Fs

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total 
PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

27

17

15

-3

-1

-4

1

31

29

2

-2

4

-1

1

2 014

1 723

1

1

1

1

1

1

0

-13

383

816

719

612

14

44

-97

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

156

174

157

160

-2

12

-98

9

39

7

-3

8

-82

3

679

5

3

5

5

5

5

1

2

150

181

163

163

-1

32

-98

34

22

53

-3

10

-1

10

33

21

49

-3

9

-1

9

33

22

42

-3

9

-1

9

169

142

201

32

23

65

-3

9

-1

32

22

57

-3

9

-1

32

22

53

-3

9

-2

28

22

53

-4

9

-2

30

23

52

-3

9

-3

29

23

53

-4

9

-4

12

138

11

135

10

130

11

137

10

135

10

130

28

21

48

-4

9

-5

9

29

22

43

-4

9

-3

7

134

119

51

7

34

22

41

21

2

2

164

207

193

188

4

11

-97

54

7

35

22

42

21

2

2

163

200

187

183

6

13

-97

38

7

28

19

32

18

2

2

179

204

188

189

6

13

-97

64

8

42

27

51

24

3

3

186

242

218

214

6

13

-97

59

7

37

25

44

22

3

3

185

236

206

207

6

17

-97

52

7

35

23

41

21

2

4

166

214

185

186

5

19

-97

53

7

35

23

41

21

3

3

156

214

183

181

5

44

-97

50

7

34

22

39

20

3

2

163

212

182

183

8

47

-97

52

7

35

23

41

21

3

4

144

205

175

172

5

29

-97

46

7

32

21

37

20

-29

63

139

196

169

166

5

40

-96

39

5

26

18

30

18

2

2

144

193

166

165

-4

32

-96

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

-3

8

4

-3

13

10

-3

13

10

-3

12

9

-3

13

12

-3

13

12

-3

13

11

-4

12

11

-4

11

10

-4

11

11

-4

10

10

-5

10

8

4.8  Sectoral analysis and emission 

trends for 'waste'

The 'waste' sector group is an important source of 
certain pollutants, including PCDD/Fs, Hg , HCB, PM2.5, 
PM2.5	and	PCBs.	Figure 4.14	shows	the	past	emission	
trends for these pollutants.

Between 1990 and 2006 the decrease in PCB emissions 
mainly reflects the data reported by the United 
Kingdom in the categories '5C2 — Open burning of 
waste' and '5E — Other waste' and from 2006 onwards 
data mainly reflects PCB emissions reported by Portugal 
in the category '5C1bi — Industrial waste incineration'. 
PCB emissions reported by this Member State closely 
correspond with the amount of waste burnt in 

industrial incineration plants. Portugal explained that 
the fluctuations of industrial waste incineration results, 
at least partially, from the variation of fluxes to other 
treatments (landfilling, shipping abroad and recycling) 
as a consequence of the annual waste market demand 
(see	Portugal's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	The	slight	
increase in 1993 reflects the data reported by France in 
the category '5C1bii — Hazardous waste incineration'.

The trend in PCDD/F emissions from 1990 until 2001 
contributed to the decrease reported by several 
countries. From 2009 onwards, the PCDD/F emission 
trend reflects the data of Greece in the category '5C1biii 
— Clinical waste incineration'. The peak in PCDD/F 
emissions in 2013 is reflects data reported by Malta in 
the category '5C1bv — Cremation'.

119

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Figure 4.14 

EU emission trends in the sector group 'waste' for the HM Hg, for the POPs PCDD/Fs, HCB and 
PCBs, and for PM2.5 between 1990 and 2016

Index (1990 = 100)

Index (1990 = 100)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Hg

PCBs

PM2.5

PCDD/F

HCB

Note: 

The right-hand axis gives values for PCDD/F.

Table 4.15 

Number of Member States reporting 
notation keys within the key 
categories of the sector group 'waste'

Key categories
5C2

PM2.5

PM10

CO

Hg

PCDD/Fs

5E

5C2

5E

5C2

5C1biii

5C1bv

5C1biii

5E

NA

NO

NR

NE

0

1

0

1

1

2

0

1

0

14

0

14

0

14

6

0

6

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

1

3

1

4

0

3

1

2

The decrease in emissions of HCB between 1990 and 
2005 largely reflects data for the category '5C1biv 
— Sewage	sludge	incineration'	from	France.	However,	
high HCB emissions between 1993 and 1999 are due 
to data reported in the same category by Belgium. 
This Member State commented that this category 
disappears as key source for HCB, because nearly 
all incineration plants have energy recuperation and 
emissions are now allocated to the category '1A1a 
— Public	electricity	and	heat	production')	see	Belgium's	
IIR, listed in Appendix 5). The trend in emissions 
of HCB from 2005 onwards reflects data reported 
by Italy in the category '5C1biv — Sewage sludge 
incineration'. 

The United Kingdom contributed most to decreasing 
Hg emissions from 1990 until 2004. This is because 
controls introduced for the incineration of waste were 
improved. In addition, there was a general decline in 
ferrous and non-ferrous metal production, and the 
use of coal as a fuel in all sectors decreased (see the 
United	Kingdom's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	From	2005	
onwards, the Hg emission trend mainly reflects the 
data reported by Slovakia in the category '5C1biii — 
Clinical waste incineration'. Slovakia reported that the 
highs and lows were a result of economic progress and 
the strengthening of national legislation (see Slovakia's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

In	Table 4.15,	the	number	of	Member	States	reporting	
the notation keys 'NA', 'NO', 'NR' and 'NE' within 
the	key	categories	are	shown.	Table 4.16	shows	the	
recalculations within the sector group 'waste'. For 
explanations of EU recalculations see Section 5.1.

120

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Sectoral analysis and emission trends for key pollutants

Table 4.16 

Relative difference in reported emissions when comparing the 2017 and 2018 submissions of 
the EU (relative data, percentage of EU national totals) for the sector group 'waste'

Pollutant

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

%

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

-1

-3

-11

-33

28

2

-1

-1

-1

-3

0

7

-1

-5

-3

0

2

-5

-28

32

2

-2

-1

1

-1

0

8

-4

-4

-4

PCDD/Fs

-17

-13

39

23

7

22

1

-3

38

25

8

23

1

-3

-34

-32

-13

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

-1

0

-6

-28

32

2

1

3

11

-1

-1

11

-2

-4

-3

-2

34

22

7

17

1

-7

0

7

-1

-11

32

1

17

29

57

0

0

44

3

0

-2

79

24

15

4

15

0

0

2

-1

-11

36

1

6

3

20

0

-1

22

1

0

-3

65

32

17

2

17

0

0

5

3

-12

36

1

10

10

31

0

0

24

2

0

-2

74

50

24

9

24

1

0

9

0

-12

38

1

15

30

56

0

0

39

3

0

-2

91

46

22

8

20

0

-20

-3

-16

-4

-18

-2

-19

1

0

9

0

-14

38

1

8

21

26

-7

-10

23

1

-1

-2

0

9

0

-16

39

1

14

18

42

0

0

34

4

0

-1

-1

7

1

-17

38

1

5

10

19

0

-1

12

0

0

-2

200

122

128

42

17

5

12

0

-24

-2

39

16

6

10

0

-29

-9

39

16

6

9

0

-23

-9

-1

7

2

-17

36

1

1

-2

12

0

0

10

-1

0

-2

91

37

15

6

9

0

-19

-9

-1

4

2

-15

36

1

3

-1

7

0

-1

6

-2

-1

-1

-1

5

-9

-16

27

1

6

8

25

0

-1

16

0

-1

-2

-2

7

-9

-20

29

1

3

7

15

0

-1

11

-2

-1

-3

3 715

225

196

37

14

5

8

0

-19

-13

34

13

4

4

0

-20

-16

34

12

4

1 011

0

-24

-19

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

31

38

7

29

38

8

37

41

8

37

41

8

40

42

8

39

42

8

41

43

8

39

41

8

37

41

8

36

40

7

34

33

7

36

35

7

121

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

5  Recalculations, and implemented or 

planned improvements

5.1  Recalculations

Recalculations are changes made to past emission 
estimates (for one or more years) to eliminate errors, 
consider additional factors and to incorporate new 
data. The Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016) 
stipulates that it is good practice to change or refine 
data and/or methods when:

•  available data have changed;

• 

the previously used method is not consistent with 
good practice for a certain category;

•  an emission source category has become a key 

category;

• 

• 

the previously used method does not reflect 
mitigation activities transparently;

the capacity (resources) for inventory preparation 
has increased;

•  new inventory methods become available;

• 

the correction of errors is necessary.

It is important to identify inventory recalculations and 
to understand their origin, in order to evaluate officially 
reported emission data properly. Member States often 
do not document why they report different numbers 
compared with the previous year.

5.1.1  Recalculations of the EU inventory

Table 5.1	compares	total	emissions	from	the	EU	
according to the submissions in 2017 with those in 2018.

Details of recalculations that influenced the EU 
recalculations are given below. In some cases, 
recalculations reflect changes in gap filling (see also 
Section 1.4.5) rather than 'true' recalculations by the 
countries themselves. Often, high recalculations for 
Member States were compensated by recalculations of 
other Member States, and therefore EU recalculations 
are only moderate.

Recalculations due to gap filling: the high 
recalculations for Romania for the years 1990-1999 
are due to improvements in gap filling. This concerns 
especially the pollutants NH3, TSP, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ni, Zn, 
PCDD/Fs,  Total PAHs, HCB and PCB. For the Czech 
Republic, high recalculations for the years 1990-1999 
are as the Czech Republic submitted this year for the 
first time data for these years, whereas in previous 
years these data were gap-filled. This concerns almost 
all pollutants. In addition, for Greece data for gap 
filling are now available where no data have been 
available before. Therefore, for some pollutants the 
EU total changed considerably due to gap-filled data 
from Greece. This concerns especially NMVOC, SOx, 
PM2.5, PM10, TSPs, BC, Hg, Cr, Ni, Se, Zn, PCDD/Fs, B(b)F, 
B(k)F, and IP.

Recalculations for the main pollutants and CO: 
the highest recalculations for NOx, NMVOCs, SOx 
and CO that are relevant for the EU recalculations 
were done by the United Kingdom, especially in 
the transport and shipping sectors. The United 
Kingdom stated in its IIR that, among other reasons, 
the recalculations for NOx and CO emissions were 
carried out because of improved activity data from 
vessel movement, while emissions from NMVOCs 
were recalculated in the 'road transport' sector due 
to the availability of revised estimates. SOx emissions 
were also recalculated due to improvements made 
in the shipping inventory (see the United Kingdom's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Further,	new	reported	data 	
from Romania for NOx and CO in the years 2000-2004 
differed from the earlier gap-filled data. Greece and 
Italy made extensive recalculations of the whole time 
series of NMVOCs, which are relevant for the EU 
recalculations. Italy's recalculations concern especially 
the agriculture sector. Italy mentioned in its IIR that 
NMVOC emissions for the category '3B' have been 
updated on the basis of the emission factors provided 
in the Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016); 
NMVOC	emissions	for	poultry	and	other animals,	
such as rabbits, have also been included (see Italy's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Spain	reported	EU-relevant 	
recalculations of SOx emissions from 1997 to 2003, 
especially in the category '1A2gviii — Stationary 
combustion in manufacturing industries and 
construction: Other'.

122

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

Table 5.1 

Comparison of data submitted in 2017 and 2018 by Member States (relative data, percentage of 
EU national total)

Pollutant

Unit

1990

1995

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 2015

%

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

TSPs

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

Gg

Gg

Gg

Gg

Gg

Gg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

PCDD/Fs

g I-Teq

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

Total PAHs

HCB

PCBs

PM2.5

PM10

BC

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

kg

kg

Gg

Gg

Gg

3

2

-1

-2

5

3

-2

8

2

3

0

-1

8

2

-3

6

1

3

0

-2

9

-5

-8

4

-10

-12

-11

-6

-4

5

-6

-15

-7

8

7

0

6

-5

-6

-6

-24

188

242

200

155

8

-9

4

-5

-2

6

-7

-9

-9

-20

404

69

56

49

-6

-19

12

2

4

0

-1

13

2

-23

-2

-12

-6

-3

4

-9

-16

-10

59

1

3

0

-2

14

2

-24

-1

-13

-7

-4

4

-9

-18

-11

54

1

4

-1

-2

12

2

-21

0

-14

-6

-4

4

-7

-17

-10

57

1

4

-2

-2

13

2

-21

0

-13

-7

-4

4

-9

-17

-11

58

1

4

-4

-2

13

1

-6

4

2

-6

-3

4

-1

-15

-12

84

2

4

-4

-2

14

1

-7

7

6

-6

-2

3

0

-16

-12

64

1

4

-4

-2

14

1

-8

8

5

-6

-3

3

2

-17

-11

68

2

4

-3

-2

15

1

-7

9

7

-6

-2

3

1

-16

-11

64

565

830

725

637

624

682

518

418

342

70

51

45

29

6

42

45

29

26

40

26

23

128

115

22

10

36

10

42

26

24

89

24

9

47

39

27

51

43

28

102

113

35

10

40

17

43

36

24

86

57

15

45

37

26

68

51

16

45

38

27

55

64

17

2

4

0

-2

11

1

-7

10

6

-6

-1

3

0

-15

-11

619

244

44

37

26

38

40

19

2

4

0

-3

11

0

-7

10

8

-4

3

4

0

-17

-11

78

2

4

1

-3

12

0

-6

11

5

-4

4

4

0

1

-10

66

276

375

45

38

27

43

31

19

43

36

31

57

52

19

2000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 2015

7

9

6

7

11

6

7

11

6

7

11

6

7

11

6

6

9

6

6

9

6

6

10

6

6

11

6

5

8

5

6

9

6

6

9

6

Recalculations for PMs, TSPs and BC: the highest 
recalculations for PM2.5, PM10, TSPs and BC that are 
relevant for the EU recalculations were done by Greece 
and the United Kingdom. The high recalculations by 
Greece arose in 2017 because no data for Greece 
were available for gap filling. The recalculations 
by the United Kingdom occurred especially in the 
categories '1A3dii — National navigation (shipping)' 
and '2A5b — Construction and demolition'. The 
United Kingdom explained in its IIR that the emissions 
in '2A5b — Construction and demolition' increased 
due to the revision of emission factors for some 
sources (fireworks, quarrying and construction); 
furthermore, the methodology for the calculation 
of PM from construction has been updated. For the 
category '1A3diii — National navigation (shipping)' 
an improvement in the method applied is the main 

reason for the reporting of increased emissions 
(see	the	United	Kingdom's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
Poland made some PM2.5 recalculations in categories 
belonging to the 'energy use in industry' sector. Those 
recalculations were mainly due to the implementation 
of new emission factors from the Inventory guidebook 
(see	Poland's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Recalculations	
from Poland for PM10 and TSPs are mainly because data 
are now reported in the category '3Dc — Farm-level 
agricultural operations including storage, handling and 
transport of agricultural products', which was not the 
case in 2017. Poland stated that this is due to a new 
emission	source	for	this	category	(see	Poland's IIR,	
listed	in	Appendix 5).	Portugal	made	recalculations	
for PM10 and TSPs mainly in the industry sector. Spain 
made recalculations for PM10, especially in the category 
'3Dc — Farm-level agricultural operations including 

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

storage, handling and transport of agricultural 
products', where activity data have been updated, and 
for BC in several categories. Those recalculations were 
mainly carried out due to the implementation of new 
estimates	from	the	Inventory	guidebook	(see Spain's	
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Ireland	reported	TSP	
emissions in the category '2D3b — Road paving with 
asphalt', which were not reported in 2017.

Recalculations for HMs: new gap-filled data for 
Greece are now available, which were not available 
last year. Therefore, several recalculations for Greece 
were made, which for some pollutants, such as Hg, Cr, 
Ni, Se and Zn, are rather high, and strongly influence 
the EU recalculations. For Pb, high recalculations 
that are relevant for the EU were made by Slovenia 
in the category '2C5 — Lead production', performed 
due to the use of the new Inventory guidebook (see 
Slovenia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5),	and	by	Hungary,	in	
the category '1A3bi — Road transport: Passenger cars', 
performed due to updated fuel consumption data and 
the use of the latest COPERT model (see Hungary's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).	Germany	made	recalculations	
for all HMs, influencing the EU recalculations especially 
of Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni, mainly due to changes in the 
categories '1A3c — Railways' (Cr, Cu, Ni) and '2C7a 
— Copper production' (Cd, Cu). Germany stated in 
its IIR that recalculations were carried out due to the 
application of new emission factors (see Germany's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).	Spain	made	recalculations	for	all	
HMs, influencing the EU recalculations especially for 
Cd, Ni and Se due to changes mainly in the category 
'3F — Field burning of agricultural residues' (Cd) and in 
the sector 'energy use in industry' (Ni, Se) and 'energy 
production and distribution' (Ni). Further recalculations 
that have an impact on EU recalculations were made by 
Poland for all HMs, especially for Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Ni and 
Zn due to changes in the category '1A4bi — Residential: 
Stationary'. Romania reported data for the years 
2000-2004 for the first time. These data differed from 
the earlier gap-filled data, and thus gap-filled data for 
the years 1990-1999 changed as well, especially for Pb, 
Hg, As and Cr. For Cu, recalculations by Italy in the 'road 
transport' and 'energy use in industry' sectors also 
influenced the EU recalculations.

Recalculations of PCDD/Fs: the highest recalculations 
for the EU are because of gap-filled data from Greece, 
which were not available last year. Further, changes in 
gap-filled data from Romania, and changes due to the 
availability of reported data from the Czech Republic 
resulted in considerable recalculations for the EU.

Recalculations of B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F and IP: high 
recalculations by the EU were caused by changed data 
from the United Kingdom for the years 1990-1992 
in the category '3F — Field burning of agricultural 

residues' because updated emission factors were used 
to calculate the emissions (see the United Kingdom's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Further	EU	recalculations	are	
because of gap-filled data from Greece, which were not 
available last year. Romania reported data for the years 
2000-2004 for the first time. These data differed from 
the earlier gap-filled data, and thus gap-filled data for 
the years 1990-1999 changed as well. Only for B(a)P, 
there are very conspicuously high levels reported by 
Portugal in the category '2D3g — Chemical products' 
in 2018, which were not reported in 2017. Data values 
from Portugal are extraordinarily high.

Recalculations of total PAHs: high recalculations by 
the EU were caused by changed data from the United 
Kingdom for the years 1990-1992 in the category '3F — 
Field burning of agricultural residues' because updated 
emission factors were used to calculate the emissions 
(see	the	United	Kingdom's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
There are very conspicuously high levels reported by 
Portugal in the category '2D3g — Chemical products' 
in 2018, which were not reported in 2017. The levels in 
these data are extraordinarily high. High recalculations 
of data for the Czech Republic for the years 1990-1999 
are due to the change from gap-filled to reported data. 
Romania reported data for the years 2000-2004 for the 
first time. These data differed from the earlier gap-filled 
data.

Recalculations of HCB: the United Kingdom reported 
results for the years 1990-1998 in the category '2D3 
— Aluminium production' that were much lower than 
in 2017. The reason for this was the implementation 
of revised activity data from aluminium production. 
This recalculation happened because activity data for 
aluminium production were revised downwards (see 
the	United	Kingdom's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Recalculations of PCBs: there are very conspicuously 
high values reported by Portugal in the categories 
'2C1 — Iron and steel production' and '2K — 
Consumption of POPs and heavy metals (e.g. electrical 
and scientific equipment)' in 2018, which were not 
reported in 2017. High recalculations of data for 
the Czech Republic for the years 1990-1999 are due 
to the change from gap-filled to reported data. In 
2017, Finland reported data for '5E — Other waste' 
and in 2018 'NA' was reported for this category 
for the complete time series. This resulted in high 
recalculations. The reason for this was that the method 
used to calculate PCB emissions in earlier submissions 
was considered uncertain and therefore the emissions 
were removed from the current submission (see 
Finland's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Austria	made	high	
recalculations in the category '2C5 — Lead production', 
and reported in 2018 'NA' for category '2C7c — Other 
metal production', which led to high recalculations 

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Table 5.2 

Recalculations of EU countries (gap-filled inventory) that have a significant impact on the EU 
recalculations 

Pollutant

Countries for which recalculations had a 
'negative' effect

Countries for which recalculations had a 'positive' effect

EU countries with significant recalculations

RO 2000-2004, 2006; ES 1990-2015; CZ 1993, 1996-1999

GB 1990-2015

RO 2005-2015; PT 1990-2015, BG 1990-1991; FI 1990-1999; 
LT 1990-1997; ES 1990-2001

GR 1990-2015; IT 1990-2015; CZ 2000-2015;  
PL 1995-2015; GB 1990-1997

CZ 1990-1994, 1997; ES 1990-2012; SK 1990-1991; 
GR 1991-1996, 1999, 2007, 2009, 2013-2015; 

GB 1990-2015; GR 2000-2002, 2005; 
RO 2003-2004, 2013

RO 1990-2000, DE 1990-2015; FR 1997-2015; IT 2012-2015

ES 1990-1999, 2009; CZ 1990-1999

RO 2001-2002

RO 2001-2002

TSPs

RO 2000-2004, 2007, 2015; FI 2012

FR 2006

RO 2000-2004; FR 2014-2015

GR 2000-2015; PL 2000-2015; GB 2000-2015;  
CZ 2000-2015

GR 2000-2015; GB 2000-2015; PL 2000-2015;  
PT 2011-2012; ES 2000-2015; 

GB 2000-2015; GR 2000-2015; PT 2000-2014;  
IE 2000-2015; HU 2008-2009; PL 2000-2015

GR 2000-2015; GB 2000-2015; BG 2000-2015;  
RO 2000, 2004; ES 2000-2015

CZ 2000-2015; GB 1990-2008; FR 1990-2000;  
HU 2000-2005

GR 1994-2008, SI 1990-2006; LT 1998; FI 1990-1992; 
RO 1990-1995; HU 1999; PL 1990-1997, 2006-2015

HU 1990-1998; BG 1990

PL 1990-1999; ES 2001-2011

GR 1990-2008; RO 1990-2004

ES 1990-1999; DE 1990-2015

IT 1990-2003; GR 2009-2011

PL 1990-2015; RO 1990-2000, SK 1990-1995

CZ 1990-1995, SK 2003

RO 1990-2002; PL 1990-2015; ES 1990-2015; IT 2003-2015

PL 1990-2015

DE 1990-2015; GR 2014-2015, FI 1990-1999;  
CZ 1990-1993

DE 1990-2015; IT 1990-2015; CZ 1990-1991

ES 1990-2005; PL 1990-2015; GR 1990-2008

GR 2009-2015; DE 1990-2015

ES 1990-2015

PL 1990-2015

PCDD/Fs

RO 1990-2003; CZ 1990-1999

B(a)P

B(b)F

B(k)F

IP

RO 2005-2015

RO 2005-2015

GR 1990-2015

GR 2009-2015, FI 1990-2003

MT 2013; GR 1990-2015

PT 1990-2015

GB 1990-1992; GR 1990-2015; CZ 1990-1995

GB 1990-1992; GR 1990-2015; CZ 1990-1991

GB 1990-1992; GR 1990-2015; CZ 1990-1996

NOx

NMVOCs

SOx

NH3

PM2.5

PM10

BC

CO

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Ni

Se

Zn

Total PAHs CZ 1990-1999; RO 1990-1998; ES 1990-2000

PT 1990-2015, GB 1990-1992

HCB

PCBs

GB 1990-1998; RO 1990-1996

DE 1990-1992, 1999; CZ 1990-1996; PT 1990-2015

CZ 1990-1999; FI 1990-2015, SI 1990-2015, AT 1990-2015; 
RO 1990-1996, 2005-2008; GB 1990-2001; PL 2003-2015

PT 1990-2015

Notes:	

EU	countries	with	significant	recalculations	are	listed	in	descending	order,	reflecting	the	impact	on	recalculated	emissions	for	the	EU	as	
a whole.

Recalculations	concern	the	gap-filled	inventory.

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Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

because data were reported in 2017. The calculations 
on non-ferrous metals have been improved, partly 
due to available facility data and partly due to the 
application of the 2016 EMEP/EEA Inventory guidebook 
(see	Austria's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	Slovenia	
made recalculations in the categories '2C5 — Lead 
production' and '2C7a — Copper production'. These 
recalculations were performed due to the introduction 
of the methodologies described in the Inventory 
guidebook	(see	Slovenia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).	
Further recalculations that were relevant for the EU 
recalculations were done by the United Kingdom 
for the categories '2C1 — Iron and steel production', 
'3Da2b — Sewage sludge applied to soils' and '5E — 
Other waste'. The United Kingdom explained that 
emissions have been revised downwards for all years, 
primarily affected by revisions to the emission factors 
used, which are now following the 2016 EMEP/EEA 
Inventory guidebook (see the United Kingdom's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).	Romania	made	recalculations	
for the years 2005-2008 mainly for metal production 
('2C5 — Lead production', '2C6 — Zinc production' 
and '2C7a — Copper production'), which influenced 
the EU recalculations.

5.1.2  Member States' recalculations

Under the revised reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a), 
all countries should submit explanatory IIRs, which 
should include details addressing any recalculations 
made. Some Member States provide very detailed 
explanations for their recalculations of parts of or the 
whole time series (e.g. methodological improvements, 
revisions of emission factors, reallocations, revisions of 
activity data and corrections of errors).

Austria provided detailed information concerning 
its recalculations, which were carried out due to 
revisions, updates of activity data, updated models, and 
improvements of methodologies and emission factors 
(see	Austria's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Belgium provided detailed information on its 
recalculations for all of its regions (Flanders, Wallonia 
and Brussels) for the 'energy' sector. The main reasons 
for recalculations on the sectoral level were the 
application of emission factors from the Inventory 
guidebook, the availability of new data (including 
activity data) tools, and error corrections and revision 
of	data	(see	Belgium's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Bulgaria reported that it made recalculations in several 
sectors for 2016 according to the recommendations of 
the Technical Expert Review Team (TERT) (see Bulgaria's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Croatia provided detailed information on its 
recalculations for all pollutants. The main reason for 
recalculations was that improved methodologies had 
been	applied.	Table ES4-1	in	Croatia's	IIR	offers	an	
overview of the recalculations (see Croatia's IIR, listed 
in	Appendix 5).

Cyprus stated that it had made some methodological 
improvements to the national emission inventory. This 
resulted in recalculations of the time series from 1990 
to 2015 according to methodologies proposed in the 
Inventory guidebook and the TERT 2017 suggestions. 
Other reasons for recalculations include the update 
from COPERT 4 to COPERT 5, new activity data and the 
correction of erroneous formulas (see Cyprus's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

The Czech Republic stated that recalculations were 
carried out because of error correction, updated 
methodology and the implementation of new estimates 
(see	the	Czech	Republic's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Denmark provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. It had put considerable work into 
improving the inventory. The submission includes 
recalculated inventories for the whole time series. The 
reasons for recalculation were changed methodology, 
updated activity data, new data, correction of errors 
and updated emission factors. The sector-specific 
chapters provide additional information on 
recalculations	(see	Denmark's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Estonia provided detailed information on its 
recalculations for the period from 1990 to 2015. The 
reasons for recalculating were the correction of data, 
activity data and emission factors, newly available 
and additionally calculated data, new methodology, 
more detailed allocation of data and more detailed 
calculation methods (see Estonia's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

Finland provided detailed information on 
recalculations. The country is recalculating the time 
series for several subcategories and is waiting for the 
finalisation of recalculations for the 'energy' sector. 
At present, the country is checking basic data, methods 
and underlying assumptions on an ad hoc basis. Once 
the recalculations are done, systematic checks and 
reallocations of emissions will be carried out (see 
Finland's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

France stated that recalculations were due to 
methodological improvements, correction of errors 
and the availability of new information (see France's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

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Germany provided detailed information. Recalculations 
were carried because of several reasons, namely 
revision of activity data, revision of the entire model, 
newly implemented emission factors, revision of 
emission factors, and reallocation of activity data and 
emissions	(see	Germany's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Hungary provided information on recalculations in the 
sector-specific chapters. Recalculations were carried 
out due to the update of the methodology for the 
category '5A', the reallocation of data and the revision 
of activity data, as well as the availability of new activity 
data	(see	Hungary's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Italy provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. The main reasons for recalculations 
were updated activity data and new estimates. Other 
reasons were updates of methodology and emission 
factors in line with the Inventory guidebook, revised 
model parameters, a new emission factor and the use 
of the COPERT 5 model for calculations (see Italy's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

Ireland provided information on recalculations in its 
sector specific chapters. Recalculations were mainly 
carried out due to revised emission data, included 
new emission data, updated emission factors, error 
correction, the reallocation of emissions and revised 
methodology (see Ireland's IIR, listed in Appendix 5).

Latvia provided detailed information on recalculations. 
Recalculations were carried out due to updated activity 
data, corrected emission factors, updated calculation 
methods/methodologies, corrected/new data (see 
Latvia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Lithuania stated that it had recalculated emissions due 
to improved data, enhanced methodology and error 
corrections	(see	Lithuania's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Luxembourg presented the main revisions and 
recalculations	in	a	table	in	its	IIR	(p. 	336).	Reasons	for	
recalculations were updated activity data, methodology 
and emission factors, as well as error correction for 
the category '3B'. For the category '2G', the reason 
for recalculation was a new emission source (see 
Luxembourg's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Malta provided no information about recalculations in 
its IIR.

The Netherlands provided detailed information on 
the recalculations carried out. The main reasons for 
recalculations were the inclusion of new emission 
sources, the revision of data, changed emissions 
factors, as well as the use of improved activity data. 
(see the Netherlands' IIR, listed in Appendix 5).

Poland reported that recalculations were carried out 
mainly due to revised methodologies, updated activity 
data and the correction of data (see Poland's IIR, listed 
in	Appendix 5).

Portugal provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. Since the last submission, recalculations 
were mainly carried out due to revised data/emission 
factors/estimates, error correction and the 
implementation of emission factors from the Inventory 
guidebook	(see	Portugal's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Romania noted that, following the emission inventory 
review, recalculations of emissions from 2005-2015 
have been carried out due to updated statistics and 
corrected activity data. Emission factors have been 
updated as well to be in line with the ones provided in 
the Inventory guidebook (see Romania's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

Slovakia provided detailed information and tables 
on its recalculations. The main reasons were error 
correction and improved methodology. Other reasons 
were the reallocation of emissions and the modification 
of	emissions	(see	Slovakia's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Slovenia provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. They were carried out due to 
methodological changes, error correction, an improved 
calculation model, the reallocation of emission data, 
the availability of new data and updated activity data, 
which were mainly due to the implementation of 
emission factors from the Inventory guidebook. Many 
of these recalculations were carried out following 
recommendations from the TERT (see Slovenia's IIR, 
listed	in	Appendix 5).

Spain provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. The main reasons were changes in 
estimation methods as well as new estimations, 
updates of emission factors, new methodologies and 
error	correction	(see	Spain's	IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

Sweden provided detailed information on its 
recalculations. The reasons were the revision and 
update of emission factors, reallocation of emissions, 
availability of new data, updated models and the 
correction of emissions (see Sweden's IIR, listed in 
Appendix 5).

The United Kingdom provided detailed information 
on recalculations made since its last LRTAP Convention 
submission. Reasons were improved emission 
estimates, new or additional data sources, the use of 
updated emission factors, revision/reallocation of data 
and methodological changes (see the United Kingdom's 
IIR,	listed	in	Appendix 5).

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

The annual joint EMEP/EEA inventory review report 
(EMEP/EEA, forthcoming) presents a summary of the 
individual recalculations that Member States reported. 
This report will be available from the CEIP website in 
July of each year (EMEP CEIP, 2018b).

5.2  Member States' emission changes 
due to review improvements

In addition, EMEP CEIP has the task of reviewing 
the submitted emissions, to help Parties improve 
national inventories (EMEP CEIP, 2018a; EMEP/EEA, 
forthcoming). These yearly reviews should help 
Member States to prepare and improve their 
inventories. Member States compile their individual 
emission estimates and submit their inventories 
together with their IIRs.

The stage 1 review — an automated test — happens 
every year to assess timeliness, completeness and 
format. The stage 2 review assesses recalculations, 
KCA, inventory comparison, trends and time series. 
Stage 3 is an in-depth review by experts whom the 
Parties nominate. Each year, the plan is for two teams 
to review 10 Parties' inventories.

In 2017, EMEP CEIP reviewed Albania, Austria, the 
EU, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Malta and 
Monaco. The results are in individual country-specific 
reports (EMEP CEIP, 2018c). In their IIRs, some of these 
countries refer explicitly to improvements planned as a 
consequence of these reviews. In 2018, it is planned to 
review Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Finland, Moldova, 
Montenegro and Ukraine.

5.3  Planned improvements at EU level

The EEA and ETC/ACM have noted that the main future 
challenge for EU Member States remains improving the 
quality of data submissions, to obtain more complete 
and timely UNECE LRTAP Convention emission 
inventories. Improvements cannot be implemented 
at EU level alone; the Member States themselves also 
need to develop and prioritise reliable and timely 
inventory reporting systems.

•  Further progress concerning completeness of 

reporting: although clear progress has been made 
in recent years on making reporting complete, a full 
set of emission inventory data for air pollutants is 
still not available for all Member States, as noted 
earlier in this report. Further, for certain pollutants 
(including PM, HMs and POPs), data could not be 
fully gap-filled, because some Member States had 
not reported emission values in any years; this is 

especially the case for pollutants where reporting is 
not	obligatory	(see	Figure 1.5	and	Figure 1.6).

•  Updating of emission data by Member States, 

including for past years: the ETC/ACM has also 
identified a problem with gap filling by using 
data submitted several years ago. In a number of 
cases, because countries have not since submitted 
corrected or updated data sets, the EU inventory 
unavoidably contains inconsistencies. The quality 
of the EU's inventory will thus be enhanced if the 
consistency and completeness of Member States' 
submissions improves. Such improvements would 
help reliable trend analysis to inform policy. Within 
the 2018 gap-filled inventory, some inconsistencies 
caused by this problem were corrected manually as 
an interim solution.

•  Reviewing current gap-filling procedures to 

ensure that they use the best approach, reflecting 
real emissions: the improved inventory gap-filling 
procedure performed in 2011 has helped develop 
a more complete EU emission inventory, but there 
is room for improvement (e.g. by including manual 
changes in the procedure).

•  Reducing the need for gap filling: this is achievable 
if Member States report complete time series as far 
as possible, and also if they have already provided 
the data in earlier submissions under the LRTAP 
Convention. Current gap-filling procedures first use 
submissions received in the current reporting years 
under various reporting mechanisms, and then use 
older LRTAP submissions.

•  More explanatory information on trends and 
recalculations: this would be possible if the IIRs 
contained such information.

•  Further research on outliers in Member States' 
emission data to help ensure that they reflect 
real emissions: a comparison of Member States' 
contributions to the EU total reveals extraordinarily 
high proportions in some instances, e.g. for Pb in 
Poland	(25 %),	Cu	in	Germany	(63 %),	Zn	in	Germany	
(33 %),	PCDD/Fs	in	Greece	(gap-filled	data,	38	%),	
B(a)P	in	Portugal	(79 %),	B(b)F	in	Greece	(gap-filled	
data,	28 %),	B(k)F	in	Greece	(gap-filled	data,	28	%),	
IP	in	Poland	(33 %),	total	PAHs	in	Portugal	(45 %),	
and	PCB	in	Portugal	(32 %).	Future	investigation	
could determine whether these high proportions 
reflect actual emissions or they are ascribable to 
incomplete reporting (or underestimates) by other 
Member States.

•  More attention to data quality: in several 

submissions from Member States and as a result 

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

of the gap-filling procedure, values of BC exceed 
PM2.5 values, values of PM2.5 exceed PM10 values, or 
values of PM10 exceed TSP values — which should 
be impossible. Changes in the gap-filling results 
and improved Member State emission data should 
resolve these problems.

5.4 

Implemented improvements

The joint EMEP/EEA annual review of inventory data 
helps improve Member States' inventories. The review 
of data reported under the LRTAP Convention happens 
jointly with the review of data reported by Member 
States under the NEC Directive. Since 2009, there has 
been a centralised stage 3 review process. Two teams 
of emission experts perform the reviews. Member 

States are encouraged to nominate reviewers for the 
EMEP roster of emission review experts; nomination 
process details are available on the CEIP website. In 
2017, the EU emission inventory report (1990-2015) 
under the UNECE LRTAP Convention (EEA, 2017c) 
was reviewed (UNECE/CEIP, 2017). The findings and 
their	implementation	are	summarised	in	Table 5.3,	
and	Table 5.4	shows	the	findings	that	have	not	been	
implemented or cannot be implemented.

5.4.1 

Improvements as response to the stage 3 review 
of the EU inventory in 2012

Table 5.3	and	Table 5.4	list	the	improvements	
implemented or not implemented in response to the 
stage 3 review by an expert review team (ERT) in 2017.

Table 5.3 

EU stage 3 review results 2017 and improvements implemented

Topic

Finding

Implemented Comment

Review findings (2017)

Gap-filling 
procedure

Notation keys

Under-reporting

Key categories

Member State  
comparisons

More detailed information at a sectoral level

Partly

Already	given	in	Annex D

Transparency

The ERT encourages the EU to create a summary for 
each subsector on how many Member States reported 
emissions and how many used notation keys; the ERT 
encourages adding an explanation in the IIR about the 
use of notation key 'NE'

The IIR sections on General assessment of completeness 
and Underestimations, and the graphs present 
a somewhat misleading picture of the level of 
under-reporting in the EU inventories; the ERT 
strongly encourages the EU to revise and expand 
these sections of the IIR

The ERT encourages the EU to include information on 
reported/not reported sectors and pollutants for the 
key categories for each year and each Member State

Yes

Analysis	given	in	the	new	Annex K

Yes

Analysis changed (see Section 1.8)

Partly

Analysis	included	in	Chapter 4	

The ERT encourages the EU to conduct a more detailed 
analysis	of	the	Annex D	information	to	identify	and	
communicate potential outliers and inconsistencies 
between Member States in their methods and 
emission factor(EF) selection

Partly

Member State  
comparisons

Sector 
descriptions

The IIR could contain more information on the 
consistency of reporting across countries and could 
indicate the number of countries that do not provide 
estimates for each NFR category

The ERT encourages the EU to continue improving 
the transparency of the inventory by including more 
information and detail in sector and subsector 
descriptions and an explanation of emission trends

Partly

Partly

Inconsistency checks were 
made (compare Section 1.6) and 
communicated to the Member 
States; comparisons between 
Member States were not made, 
as such checks would mean 
considerable effort and there is 
only a limited time frame

Analysis	included	in	Chapter 4,	
see	also	the	new	Annex K

Sectoral emission trends are 
described to the greatest possible 
extent	in	Chapter 4

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Table 5.3 

EU stage 3 review results 2017 and improvements implemented (cont.)

Topic

Finding

Implemented Comment

Review findings (2017)

Gap-filling  
procedure

Gap-filling  
procedure

Assessment after  
gap filling

Completeness

Further improvement in the gap-filling procedures, 
such as the development of more manual 
interventions

The ERT encourages the EU to strengthen its QA/QC 
of the gap-filling procedures to minimise the risk of 
(1) under-reporting in the EU submission; and (2) the 
gap-filling process itself introducing implausible 
step-changes in the reported trends

It would be useful to include details at the level 
of individual NFR categories (assessment of the 
significance of the remaining gaps after gap filling) for 
the sectors

Yes

Partly

Partly

Manual changes have been 
conducted in 2018 (compare 
Section 1.4.5)

Manual changes have been 
conducted in 2018 (compare 
Section 1.4.5) to correct 
implausible step-changes in the 
trends

Analysis	included	in	Chapter 4,	
see	also	the	new	Annex K

Completeness  
assessment

The ERT encourages the EU to provide sector-specific 
assessments of completeness

Partly

Analysis	included	in	Chapter 4	see	
also	the	new	Annex K

Consistency

Recalculations

The main recalculations are explained in the IIR of 
each Member State; the ERT encourages the EU to also 
explain the rest of the recalculations including their 
implications for the trends, and especially to explain 
recalculations due to changes in the EU gap-filling 
method

Partly

Recalculations and their 
implications for trends are 
explained to the greatest possible 
extent, including recalculations 
that are caused by the gap-filling 
procedure (compare Section 5.1)

Sector-specific 
recalculations

The ERT encourages EU to provide sector-specific 
recalculation information wherever possible (similar 
to that	in	Table 5.1)

Yes

Analysis	included	in	Chapter 4

Time series checks The ERT encourages the EU to conduct time series 
consistency checks on Member State submissions

Yes

Time series checks have been 
performed for many years already

Consistent 
reporting

The ERT encourages the EU to continue with its efforts 
to develop more consistent reporting (regarding 
allocations to specific NFR sectors) by Member States

Partly

Comparability

Notation keys

There are many instances where some countries 
report emissions for a particular NFR category and 
pollutant, while other countries use the notation key 
'NA'; the ERT believes that it would be immensely 
useful for this type of issue to be highlighted in the 
IIR at the level of individual NFR categories: it would 
highlight issues in the inventories of Member States 
that could then be addressed by those countries

Yes

Accuracy

Checks on the allocations to 
specific NFR sectors would mean 
considerable effort; such an 
analysis is not feasible within the 
limited time frame

Analysis	included	in	Annex K,	see	
also Section 1.8

Emission basis

The EU inventory for road transport was based on a 
mixture of fuel sold and fuel used (one Member State)

Yes

In 2018, the whole EU inventory 
is based on fuel sold (compare 
Section 1.4.4)

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Table 5.4 

EU stage 3 review results 2017, not implemented findings and rationale

Topic

Finding

Implemented

Comment

Review findings (2017)

Notation keys

The EU data inventory uses notation keys 'NE' and 
'NR'; the ERT recommends improving the use of 
notation keys in the inventory

Transparency

No

Further improvement required

Key categories More detailed information to highlight key data 

No

and information deficiencies in the Member 
State submissions, including (1) data gaps for key 
categories; (2) outlier level and trend emission 
data from Member States for key categories; and 
(3) identifying where lower-tier methods are used 
by Member States that contribute significantly to 
the reported EU total for a key category

Key categories The ERT encourages the EU to summarise 

No

information about methodologies used by the 
different Member States for specific pollutants 
for the key categories

Such checks would mean considerable 
effort; such an analysis is not feasible 
within the limited time frame

Information on methods and data 
used by Member States to calculate 
emissions from the individual sectors 
have been provided for some years in 
the EU inventory report (2012-2015); 
however, providing this information was 
a considerable effort and was hardly 
feasible within the limited time frame

Activity data

EU-level  
inventory 
improvement 
programme

Relations 
between 
pollutants and 
sectors

Gridded data, 
LPSs and 
projections

Gap-filling 
procedure

Uncertainty 
analysis

Uncertainty 
linked to gap 
filling

No activity data are provided; the ERT recommends 
further enhancing the gap-filling procedure to 
finally provide activity data at EU level: for example, 
gap filling by utilising data from Eurostat statistics, 
or data from another country (e.g. with a similar 
population, gross domestic product or other 
indicator) that could be an interim solution to 
overcome the difficulties

Completeness

The ERT recommends developing the EU-level 
inventory improvement programme, which 
should include actions at the EU level to target 
improvements of the completeness of reporting 
from the Member States; the ERT encourages the 
EU to include more detailed information about 
QA/QC procedures used by Member States

The ERT encourages the EU to implement 
procedures to assess relations between different 
pollutants and sectors

The ERT recommends the EU to provide full 
assessment of the gridded data, LPSs and 
projections submitted by Member States in its 
future submission

Accuracy

In some cases, the gap-filling procedure does not 
generate a reliable representation of the emissions 
from the source categories

The EU clarified that uncertainty analysis is in 
the improvement plan for the near future, since, 
under the new NEC Directive Member States shall 
provide information on uncertainties; it is therefore 
planned to assess and evaluate if the uncertainty 
analysis for the EU can be generated

The ERT recommends that the EU assess the 
impact of the gap-filling procedure on inventory 
uncertainty, e.g. assessment of uncertainties linked 
to the EU gap-filling process and its combination 
with Member States' inventory uncertainties

No

Further improvement required

No

Political decision

No

No

No

No

As the inventory is an aggregation of the 
Member State inventories, this is not 
an easy task and would mean too much 
effort in the limited time frame

Data are already available via the CEIP 
and CDR websites; it is a huge amount 
of data and there is no need to provide 
such large annexes when data are 
available easily at these websites

Further improvement required

Not in 2018; further improvement 
required

No

Further improvement required

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

5.4.2  Further improvements undertaken in 2018

5.4.3 

Improvements at Member State level

•  The	figure	showing	KCA	results	for	2016	(Figure 1.2)	

has been improved to show sector affiliation.

•  Again, explanations on unusual trends, peaks and 

troughs were improved.

•  Manual corrections for BC improved the gap-filled 

inventory.

•  An overview of the findings from the early and 

extended data checks on submitted Member State 
inventories	was	included	(see	Table 1.6).

•  Analysis of the reporting of notation keys within 

the key categories of each sector group were made 
(see Section	4).

•  Sector recalculations were included (see Section 4).

Improvements at Member State level also automatically 
improve the EU inventory. For this reason, it is of 
interest to note which countries have planned to 
improve	their	inventories.	Table 5.5	provides	an	
overview of these. However, it is not easy to gain a 
systematic overview of the overall situation, as Member 
States provide varying amounts of information.

The updated reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a) 
request that Parties to the LRTAP Convention provide 
emission data using the new NFR14 format. All EU 
Member States that submitted data used the new 
template.

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Table 5.5 

Overview of improvements planned at Member State level

Member 
State

Austria

Belgium

Improvements planned

The corresponding sector analysis chapters describe required methodological changes and planned 
improvements	(Appendix 5,	Austria's	IIR)

Belgium's	IIR	lists	planned	improvements	in	Sections 8.1-8.4.	The	relevant	sectoral	chapters	also	describe	them	
(Appendix 5,	Belgium's	IIR)

Bulgaria

Planned improvements:

•  application of higher tier method for estimation of emissions

• 

incorporation of ETS and E-PRTR databases into the emission inventory in NFR sector 1 'energy' 
and NFR sector 2 'industrial processes and other solvents and product use'

• 

incorporation of data provided by branch business associations

•  revision of activity data in NFR sector 3 'agriculture', in line with agro-statistical data from 

the Ministry of Agriculture and Food

improving the accuracy of the estimates

improving transparency, completeness and consistency, including recalculations of time series 
and comparability	of	national	emission	inventory	(Appendix 5,	Bulgaria's	IIR)

• 

• 

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech 
Republic

Table ES6-1	of	Croatia's	IIR	lists	planned	improvements	in	detail,	including	recalculations,	updating	of	emission	
factors	and	collection	of	new	data	(Appendix 5,	Croatia's	IIR)

The 2018 IIR reports no planned improvements

For	the	sectors	'road	transport'	and	'agriculture',	improvements	are	planned	(Appendix 5,	the	Czech	Republic's	
IIR)

Denmark

The	relevant	sectoral	chapters	describe	sector-specific	planned	improvements	(Appendix 5,	Denmark's	IIR)

Estonia

Estonia's IIR lists source-specific planned improvements; the correction of activity data, recalculation of POP 
emissions from the energy sector, the inclusion of more detailed vehicle subsectors, a more detailed emission 
estimation, correction of allocations and obtaining new activity data for some categories in the 'industrial 
processes and product use' sector, the introduction of higher tier methods and the improvement of activity data 
are	priorities	for	future	inventory	improvement	(Appendix 5,	Estonia's	IIR)

Finland

Table 8.3	of	Finland's	IIR	sets	out	sector-specific	improvement	needs	and	the	sectoral	chapters	describe	the	
source-specific	planned	improvements	(Appendix 5,	Finland's	IIR)

France

There are some planned and ongoing improvements mentioned in the French IIR:

•  conducting research to improve accuracy, especially for key categories

•  establishing measures to determine uncertainties

•  reducing the number of non-considered or poorly determined pollutants; there are still plans to improve the 
estimation of emissions from heating boilers in the residential sector, which could strongly influence NOx 
emissions

• 

introducing further splits for energy consumption in the industry sector

•  adopting the recent developments of EMEP/EEA

Germany

•  strengthening all activities for better QA and QC of the system, especially towards the implementation 
of	procedures	and	tools,	cooperation	with	experts	from	different	fields	and	maintaining	the	ISO 9001	
certification	system	(Appendix 5,	France's	IIR)

Germany is planning to prioritise improvements on the basis of results of the uncertainty analysis; planned 
improvements for the source category 'stationary combustion' include revision of the reporting structure, new 
measurements, improvement of the emission factor for waste incineration plants, revision of emission factors 
for SO2, further comparison with other inventory data (namely E-PRTR and ETS), as well as the calculation of a 
complete time series for two subsectors. For the category 'mobile combustion', planned improvements include 
the implementation of new emissions, as well as the validation and revision of the approach for abrasive 
emissions	from	railways	(Appendix 5,	Germany's	IIR)

Greece 

No IIR available

Hungary 

Hungary plans to further improve the coordination with E-PRTR reporting and the reporting process, as well 
as to execute a quantitative uncertainty analysis; another planned improvement is the improvement of QA/QC 
actions	(Appendix 5,	Hungary's	IIR)

Ireland 

The	sectoral	chapters	of	Ireland's	IIR	describe	the	source-specific	planned	improvements	(Appendix 5,	
Ireland's IIR)

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European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Recalculations, and implemented or planned improvements

Table 5.5 

Overview of improvements planned at Member State level (cont.)

Member 
State

Italy 

Improvements planned

For the 'energy' and 'industrial processes' sectors, significant progress is planned to harmonise information 
reported under different obligations; this collates data collected under different obligations (Large Combustion 
Plant Directive, E-PRTR and ETS), to highlight major discrepancies and to detect potential errors

For the sectors 'agriculture' and 'waste', improvements related to the availability of new information on 
emission factors, activity data, etc., are planned

Further work is planned to update/change emission factors for PAHs, dioxins and HMs in order to increase 
accuracy	(Appendix 5,	Italy's	IIR)

Latvia

For the 'industrial processes and product use' sector, planned improvements include the review of already 
submitted data for the year 2016 in order to consider delayed submissions from enterprises and the research 
of the export impact of solvent use emission; planned improvements in the 'agriculture' sector include the 
continued quantification of abatement strategies and the inclusion of emission data from the use of pesticides 
(Appendix 5,	Latvia's	IIR)

Lithuania

There are no source-specific planned improvements listed in the IIR, but the country sees a priority in 
the estimation	of	KCA	categories	using	a	tier	2	or	higher	approach	(Appendix 5,	Lithuania's	IIR)

Luxembourg

The IIR lists planned improvements (Luxembourg's IIR, p. 337); they mainly concern the updating of the 
methodology, activity data and emission factors, as well as notation key correction, reallocation of emissions 
and	new	emission	sources	(Appendix 5,	Luxembourg's	IIR)

Malta 

Malta provided a short paragraph on planned improvements. It is planned to improve the methodology for 
the sectors 5.A and 5.E (Appendix 5, Malta's IIR)

Netherlands 

Some source-specific improvements are planned. These are described in the sectoral chapters of the 
Netherlands' IIR (Appendix 5, the Netherland's IIR)

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia 

The planned programme of improvement focuses on the following tasks: verifying NMVOC emissions from 
solvent use; gathering additional activity data to verify the trends for 1990-2000; and further methodology 
development	by	applying	higher	tier	methods	of	estimation	methodology	(Appendix 5,	Poland's	IIR)

Each source-specific section presents a detailed explanation of the planned sectoral improvements 
(Appendix 5,	Portugal's	IIR)

The country plans to harmonise data trends over the whole time series, in order to remove inconsistencies 
in the data	trends	(Appendix 5,	Romania's	IIR)

Slovakia's	IIR	mentions	an	improvement	plan	for	the	sector	'agriculture',	and	Table 5.3	in	the	IIR	provides	details	
about implemented recommendations. Several sector specific chapters also provide information on planned 
improvements, for example the collection of more detailed data.

Further,	Slovakia	is	planning	an	uncertainty	analysis	(Appendix 5,	Slovakia's	IIR)

Slovenia

Planned improvements relate to sectors 1 and 2. The main aims are to estimate new emissions, find the correct 
emission factors and undertake error correction in order to improve time series data. A detailed list of the 
planned	improvements	can	be	found	in	Slovenia's	IIR	(Appendix 5,	Slovenia's	IIR)

Spain

The principal areas of improvement are:

•  provision of more detailed sector-specific information on QA/QC procedures

•  more detailed documentation in relation to the inventory preparation

•  harmonising the inventory with other registries and inventories (e.g. E-PRTR, large combustion plants

•  continuing to update emission factors and methodologies based on guidance in the Inventory guidebook

•  carrying out quantitative estimations of uncertainty and improvements in the methodology for identifying 

key categories

•  continuing with the development of the external audit

•  Sections 8.6.2-8.6.5	list	planned	improvements	at	sectoral	level	(Appendix 5,	Spain's	IIR)

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

For a number of sectors, planned improvements will be decided after the finalisation of the submission as part 
of	the	national	QA/QC	plan;	other	than	that,	there	is	no	information	about	planned	improvements	(Appendix 5,	
Sweden's IIR)

A number of improvements to the inventory are planned and described in detail in the relevant sector chapters; 
planned improvements are relevant for the sectors 'energy', 'industrial processes', 'agriculture', 'waste' and 
'other'	(Appendix 5,	the	United	Kingdom's	IIR)

Note: 

Grey text indicates those countries that did not submit an IIR in 2018.

134

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016References

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Commission for Europe (http://www.unece.org/env/
lrtap/pops_h1.html)	accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 1998b, The 1998 Aarhus Protocol on Heavy 
Metals, United Nations Economic Commission for 
Europe (http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/hm_h1.html) 
accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 1999, The 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate 
Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground‑level Ozone, 
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 
(http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/multi_h1.html) 
accessed	15 March 2018.

UNECE, 2006, Implementation Committee, its structure 
and functions and procedure for review, United 
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE/
EB.AIR/2006/2) (http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/

136

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016References

env/documents/2006/eb/EB/EB Decisions/Decision 
2006.2.pdf)	accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2012a, Decision 2012/2: Amendment of the text 
of and annexes II to IX to the 1999 Protocol to Abate 
Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground‑level Ozone and 
the addition of new annexes X and XI (http://www.unece.
org/fileadmin/DAM/env/lrtap/full text/ECE_EB.AIR_111_
Add1_2_E.pdf)	accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2012b, Decision 2012/3: Adjustments under the 
Gothenburg Protocol to emission reduction commitments 
or to inventories for the purposes of comparing total 
national emissions with them, United Nations Economic 
Commission for Europe (ECE/EB.AIR/111) (http://www.
unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/documents/2013/
air/ECE_EB.AIR_111_Add.1__ENG_DECISION_3.pdf) 
accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2012c, Decision 2012/12: Guidance for 
adjustments under the 1999 Protocol to Abate 
Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground‑level Ozone to 
emission reduction commitments or to inventories for 
the purposes of comparing total national emissions with 
them, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 
(ECE/EB.AIR/113) (http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/
DAM/env/documents/2012/EB/Decision_2012_12.pdf) 
accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2014a, Guidelines for reporting emissions and 
projections data under the Convention on Long‑range 
Transboundary Air Pollution, United Nations Economic 
Commission for Europe (ECE/EB.AIR/125) (http://www.
ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/emep/2014_Guidelines/
ece.eb.air.125_ADVANCE_VERSION_reporting_
guidelines_2013.pdf)	accessed	14 March 2018.

UNECE, 2014b, Review of adjustment applications 
— Report by the Centre on Emission Inventories and 
Projections, United Nations Economic Commission 
for Europe (ECE/EB.AIR/GE.1/2014/10) (http://www.
ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/emep/pdf/2015/ece.eb.air.
ge.1.2014.10.edited.ae_formatting_accepted.ko.pdf) 
accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2015, Review of adjustment applications — 
Report by the Centre on Emission Inventories and 
Projections, United Nations Economic Commission 
for Europe (ECE/EB.AIR/GE.1/2015/10- ECE/EB.AIR/
WG.1/2015/13) (http://www.ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/
emep/Adjustments/ece.eb.air.ge.1.2015.10_ece.eb.air.
wg.1.2015.13.AV.pdf)	accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2016, Review of adjustment applications — 
Report by the Centre on Emission Inventories and 
Projections, United Nations Economic Commission 
for Europe (ECE/EB.AIR/GE.1/2016/10-ECE/EB.AIR/
WG.1/2016/18) (http://www.ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/
emep/pdf/2016/ECE_EB.AIR_GE.1_2016_10_E.pdf) 
accessed	16 March 2018.

UNECE, 2017, Review of adjustment applications — Report 
by the Centre on Emission Inventories and Projections, 
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 
(ECE/EB.AIR/GE.1/2017/10-ECE/EB.AIR/WG.1/2017/20) 
(http://www.ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/emep/pdf/2017/
Advance_ece_eb_air_ge_1_2017_10_ece_eb_air_
wg_1_2017.pdf)	accessed	5 March 2018.

UNECE/CEIP, 2017, Report for the Stage 3 in‑depth review 
of emission inventories submitted under the UNECE 
LRTAP Convention and EU National Emissions Ceilings 
Directive for: European Union, CEIP/S3.RR/2017/EU, 
United Nations (http://www.ceip.at/fileadmin/inhalte/
emep/pdf/2017_s3/EU-Stage3ReviewReport-2017.pdf) 
accessed	6 March 2018.

137

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 1

Appendix 1	 Notation	keys

Where methodological or data gaps in inventories exist, 
information on these gaps should be presented in a 
transparent manner. Parties should clearly indicate the 
sources	they	have	not	considered	in	their inventories,	
although the Inventory guidebook (EMEP/EEA, 2016) 
includes them, and explain the reason for the 
exclusion. Similarly, each Party should indicate if it 
has excluded part of its territory, and explain why. 
In addition, each Party should use the notations 
presented below to fill the blanks in all the tables of 
the NFR inventory. This approach helps assess how 
complete emission data reports are. The notations are 
as	follows (12).

NO  'Not occurring' means an emission source or 
process does not exist within a country.

NE 

'Not estimated' means emissions occur, but 
have not been estimated or reported. Where an 
inventory uses 'NE', the Party should indicate why 
it could not estimate emissions.

NA  'Not applicable' means a source exists, but 

relevant emissions are considered never to occur.

IE 

'Included elsewhere' is for emissions that are 
estimated and included in the inventory, but are 

not presented separately for the relevant source. 
Where it uses 'IE', the Party should indicate where 
the inventory includes the emissions from the 
displaced source category, and should give the 
reasons for deviating from the expected category.

C 

'Confidential' is for aggregated emissions that the 
inventory includes elsewhere, because reporting at 
a disaggregated level could lead to the disclosure 
of confidential information. Where an inventory 
uses 'C', it should make reference to the protocol 
provision that authorises it.

NR  'Not relevant' eases reporting where different 
protocols do not strictly require details of 
emissions.	According	to	Article III,	paragraph	9,	
in the emission-reporting guidelines, emission 
inventory reporting should cover all years from 
1980 onwards if data are available. However, 
some Parties, for example, do not need to report 
emissions of NMVOCs prior to 1988.

If a Party estimates emissions from country-specific 
sources, it should explicitly describe which source 
categories these are, as well as which methodologies, 
emission factors and activity data it has used to 
estimate them.

(12)  Further explanation and guidance concerning the use of these notation codes are in the EMEP emission-reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a).

138

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 2	

	LRTAP	Convention	emission-
reporting programme for 2018

Appendix 2

Emission data should be submitted to EMEP 
CEIP by 15 February 2018. IIRs should reach the 
centre no later than 15 March 2018.	Table A2.1	
summarises information contained in the revised 
emission-reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a).

Reporting format

Each	Party	should	use	the	reporting	format	in	Annex IV	
of the reporting guidelines (UNECE, 2014a) for its annual 
submissions. It should submit the information to the 
CEIP formally, preferably in electronic form, and notify 
the UNECE secretariat. The reporting format, including 
the NFR, is standardised for reporting estimates 
of emissions. It includes activity data, projected 
activity data, projected emissions and other relevant 
information. The reporting format aims to facilitate 
electronic submissions. This should make it simpler 

to process emission information and prepare useful 
documentation about technical analysis and synthesis.

The new NFR14 format covers:

•  national annual emissions and national annual 

sector	emissions	(Annex I);

• 

• 

total and aggregated sector emissions for reporting 
emissions of NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, PM, BC, CO, Pb, 
Cd, Hg, PCDD/Fs, PAHs, HCB and PCBs, for the EMEP 
0.1° × 0.1°	grid	cell	and	from	LPSs	(Annexes V	and	VI);

for 2020, 2025, 2030, 2040 and 2050, projected 
activity data and projected national total emissions 
of NOx, NMVOCs, sulphur and NH3, which Parties are 
to	report	for	the	source	categories	listed	in	Annex IV	
(A- with measures (WM), B-WM, A- with additional 
measures (WaM), B-WaM).

139

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 2

Table A2.1 

Summary of the information requested in the EMEP emission-reporting guidelines

Description of contents

Yearly: minimum (and additional)

A.  National total emissions

1.  Main pollutants 

2.	 Particulate	matter (b)

3.	 Heavy	metals (b)

4.	 Persistent	organic	pollutants (b)

B.  Emissions by NFR source category

1.  Main pollutants

2.	 Particulate	matter (b)

3.	 Heavy	metals (b)

4.	 Persistent	organic	pollutants (b)

C.  Activity data

Pollutant(s)

Reporting years (a)

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO

PM2.5, PM10 (TSPs, BC)

1990-2016

2000-2016

Pb, Cd, Hg, (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se, Zn)

1990-2016

PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, PCBs, HCB 
(PAHs: B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F, IP)

1990-2016

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO

PM2.5, PM10, (TSPs, BC)

1990-2016

2000-2016

Pb, Cd, Hg, (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se, Zn)

1990-2016

PCDD/Fs, total PAHs, PCBs, HCB 
(PAHs: B(a)P, B(b)F, B(k)F, IP)

1990-2016

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO

1990-2016

4-yearly: minimum reporting (from 2017 onwards to the next reporting year: 2021)

D. 

 Gridded data in the EMEP 0.1 ° × 0.1 ° long/lat 
grid — sector emissions (GNFR14) (c) and national 
totals (optional)

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO, 
PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/F, 
PAHs, HCB, PCBs

2015 (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 
2010 if not reported before)

E.  Emissions from LPSs

F.  Projected emissions and projected activity data 

1.  National total emission projections

2.  Emission projections by NFR14

3.  Projected activity data by NFR14

NOx, NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, CO, 
PM2.5, PM10, Pb, Cd, Hg, PCDD/F, 
PAHs, HCB, PCBs

2015 (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 
2010 if not reported before)

NOx,	NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, PM2.5, 
BC

2020, 2025, 2030, where 
available 2040 and 2050

NOx,	NMVOCs, SOx, NH3, PM2.5, 
BC

2020, 2025, 2030, where 
available 2040 and 2050

5-yearly: additional reporting for review and assessment purposes

Volatile organic compound (VOC) speciation/height distribution/temporal distribution

Land-use data/Hg breakdown

Percentage of toxic congeners of PCDD/F emissions

Pre-1990 emissions of PAHs, HCB, PCDD/Fs and PCBs

Information on natural emissions

2020, 2025, 2030, where 
available 2040 and 2050

Parties are encouraged to 
review the information used 
for modelling at http://www.
ceip.at/ms/ceip_home1/ceip_
home/webdab_emepdatabase/
emissions_emepmodels/ 
online	(accessed	9 March 2018)

Note: 

(a) 

 As a minimum, data for the base year of the relevant protocol and from the year of entry into force of that protocol and up to the 
latest year (i.e. the second-last before the current year) should be reported.

(b)  Parties report the pollutants listed in brackets voluntarily.

(c)   Gap-filled	NFR14.

Table A2.2 

European Union: country grouping

EU-9 refers	to	the	nine	Member	States	up	to	31 December 1980:	Belgium	(BE),	Denmark	(DK),	France	(FR),	Germany	(DE),	
Ireland (IE), Italy (IT), Luxembourg (LU), the Netherlands (NL) and the United Kingdom (GB)

EU-12	refers	to	the	12	Member	States	from	1 January 1981	to	31 December 1994:	the	EU-9	plus	Greece	(EL),	Portugal	(PT)	and	
Spain (ES) 

EU-15	refers	to	the	15	Member	States	from	1 January 1995	to	30 April 2003:	the	EU-12	plus	Austria	(AT),	Finland	(FI)	and	Sweden	(SE)	

EU-27	refers	to	the	27	Member	States	from	1 May 2003	to	30 June 2013:	the	EU-15	plus	Bulgaria	(BG),	Cyprus	(CY),	the	Czech	
Republic (CZ), Estonia (EE), Hungary (HU), Latvia (LV), Lithuania (LT), Malta (MT), Poland (PL), Romania (RO), Slovakia (SK) and 
Slovenia (SI) 

EU-28	refers	to	the	28	Member	States	from	1 July 2013:	the	EU-27	plus	Croatia	(HR)

140

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
Appendix 3

Appendix 3	

	Status	of	reporting	and	
timeliness

Table A3.1  Member State inventory submissions 2018: date received by the EEA, years covered and 

information provided (as of 8 May 2018)

Annual reporting

Minimum 4-year reporting

r
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b
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M

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f
o
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7
1
0
2

e
t
a
l
p
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e
t

R
F
N

a
t
a
d
y
t
i
v
i
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c
A

)
b
(

s
n
o
i
t
c
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j
o
r
P

a
t
a
d
d
e
d
d
i
r
G

e
t
a
d

s
n
o
i
s
s
i
m
e

e
t
a
d

S
P
L

Austria

15.02.2018 15.03.2018

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Belgium

15.02.2018

15.02.2018 15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Bulgaria

15.02.2018 14.03.2018

Croatia

13.02.2018

Cyprus

15.02.2018

Czech 
Republic

15.02.2018 15.03.2018
16.03.2018

Denmark

15.02.2018

Estonia

13.02.2018

14.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

14.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

14.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

30.03.2018

02.05.2018

15.02.2018 15.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1980-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Finland

15.02.2018 15.03.2018
13.04.2018

15.02.2018

15.02.2018
15.03.2018

NFR 2014-1 1990-2016 2020, 
2025, 
2030a)

06.05.2018

15.03.2018
03.05.2018
06.05.2018
07.05.2018
08.05.2018

France

15.02.2018

Germany

13.02.2018

Greece

15.02.2018 15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1980-2016

13.02.2018 14.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Hungary

15.02.2018 15.03.2018

15.02.2018
15.03.2018

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Ireland

14.02.2018 15.03.2018

Italy

22.02.2018 15.03.2018

Latvia

15.02.2018 15.03.2018

Lithuania

15.02.2018 23.02.2018,
08.03.2018

Luxembourg 08.02.2018 15.03.2018

15.03.2018

Malta

27.04.2018

Netherlands 28.12.2017 13.4.2018

Poland

15.02.2018

Portugal

15.02.2018 15.02.2018,
15.03.2018

Romania

15.02.2018

20.04.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

16.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

15.03.2018

22.02.2018

15.03.2018 15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016 2020, 
2025, 
2030a) b)

03.05.2018 NFR 2014-1 2000-2016

13.04.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 2000-2016

27.04.2018 27.04.2018

141

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Appendix 3

Table A3.1  Member State inventory submissions 2018: date received by the EEA, years covered and 

information provided (as of 8 May 2018) (cont.)

Annual reporting

Minimum 4-year reporting

r
e
b
m
e
M

e
t
a
t
S

n
o
i
s
s
i
m
b
u
S

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(
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t
a
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n
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w
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f
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7
1
0
2

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F
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a
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y
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v
i
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s
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G

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s
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s
s
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t
a
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S
P
L

Slovakia

15.02.2018 15.03.2018

Slovenia

13.02.2018

15.03.2018
13.04.2018

NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

14.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Spain

23.01.2018 07.03.2018

23.01.2018 7.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016

Sweden

14.02.2018

United 
Kingdom

15.02.2018

15.03.2018 15.02.2018
15.03.2018

13.03.2018 NFR 2014-1 1990-2016

15.03.2018 NFR 2014-2 1990-2016 2020, 
2025, 
2030

Notes:	

Red-coloured	dates	indicate	that	data	were	submitted	after	the	formal	deadline	for	submissions	(submissions:	15 February;	
resubmissions:	15 March;	IIR:	15 March),	or	time	series	reporting	is	not	complete.

(a) Refers	to	the	first	submission	of	inventory	data	to	the	CDR;	submission	of	other	data	is	possible	at	later	dates.

(b) Activity	data	reported	in	2018.

142

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table A3.2  Member State LRTAP Convention submissions of 2017 (as of 8 May 2018)

Appendix 3

Member 
State

SO2, NOx, CO, 
NH3, NMVOC

Cd, Hg, Pb

Additional 
HMs (a)

Austria

1990-2016

1990-2016

 -

PM2.5, PM10, 
TSP (b), BC

1990, 1995,
2000-2016 (a)

1990-2016 (b)

POPs

 Comments

Belgium

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016 (a)

Bulgaria

1990-2016

Croatia

Cyprus

1990-2016

1990-2016

Czech Republic 1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Denmark

1985-2016 (a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Estonia

Finland

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

(a) BC: 2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

(a) SOx: 1980-2016

2000-2016 (a)

1990-2016

(a) TSP: 1990-2016

1980-2016 (b)

1990-2016

1990-2016 (c)

1990-2016

1990-2016 (d)

France

1980-2016 (a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Germany

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

Greece

Hungary

1990-2016

1990-2016

Ireland

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Italy

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016(a)

Latvia

1990-2016

Lithuania

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Luxembourg

1990-2016

1990-2016

-

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

Malta

2000-2016

Netherlands

1990-2016

Poland

1990-2016

Portugal

1990-2016

Romania

2000-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1980 - 2016 (a)

1990-2016

-

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016 (a)

2005-2016

(a) BC: 2005-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016 (a)

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United 
Kingdom

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

2000-2016

1990-2016(a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016 (a)

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

1990-2016

Notes: 

Reporting of additional HMs is not mandatory.

Member States do not have to report TSPs if they report PM emissions.

(a) no BC
(b) no individual 
PAHs

(a) Individual PAHs: 
only 2010-2016

(a) BC only 2030; 
NH3 also 2050
(b) NMVOC: only 
1987-2016; 
CO: only 1990-2016
(c) no Se (only a few 
sector data
(d) no individual 
PAHs (only a few 
sector data

(a) NMVOC: 
only 1988-2016

(a) PM2.5, PM10: 
only 1995-2016;  
BC: only 2000-2016

(a) NOx, NMVOC, 
SOx: also 1987

(a) no individual 
PAHs

Resubmission only 
for the year 2013

(a) no BC
(b) WaM projetions 
only

(a) PCB: only 
1995-1998, 2002,  
2004-2005

(a) no Se

(a) NH3: only 
1986-2016; 
NMVOC: only 
1990-2016

(a) no individual 
PAHs

(a) BC: only 
2000-2016

143

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016 
Appendix 3

Figure A3.1  Dates of first data submissions 

received from Member States 
(as of 8 May 2018)

Netherlands

Spain

Luxembourg

Germany

Estonia

Slovenia

Croatia

Ireland

Sweden

Latvia

Cyprus

United Kingdom

Denmark

Poland

France

Bulgaria

Portugal

Finland

Czech Republic

Romania

Hungary

Belgium

Austria

Lithuania

Slovakia

Italy

Malta

Greece

25.12.2017

14.01.2018

03.02.2018

23.02.2018

15.03.2018

04.04.2018

24.04.2018

144

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 4

Appendix 4	

	Conversion	chart	for	
aggregated sector groups

To enable the presentation of sectoral emission trends 
(Chapter 3),	individual	NFR	source	categories	for	the	
EU-28 inventory were aggregated into the following 
main sector groups:

• 

road transport;

•  non-road transport;

•  energy production and distribution;

•  energy use in industry;

• 

industrial processes and product use;

•  commercial, institutional and households;

•  agriculture;

•  waste.

Table A4.1	provides	a	conversion	chart	showing	which	
of the individual NFR source categories was in each of 
the aggregated sector groups.

Table A4.1 

Conversion chart for aggregated sector groups

NFR code Full name

Public electricity and heat production

Petroleum	refining

Manufacture of solid fuels and other energy industries

EEA aggregated sector name

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Iron and steel

Energy use in industry

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Non-ferrous 
metals

Energy use in industry

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Chemicals

Energy use in industry

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Pulp, paper and 
print

Energy use in industry

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Food processing, 
beverages and tobacco

Energy use in industry

1A1a

1A1b

1A1c

1A2a

1A2b

1A2c

1A2d

1A2e

1A2f

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Non-metallic 
minerals

1A2gvii 

Mobile combustion in manufacturing industries and construction

Energy use in industry

Energy use in industry

1A2gviii

Stationary combustion in manufacturing industries and construction: Other

Energy use in industry

1A3ai(i)

International aviation LTO (civil)

1A3aii(i)

Domestic aviation LTO (civil)

1A3bi

1A3bii

1A3biii

1A3biv

1A3bv

1A3bvi

Road transport: Passenger cars

Road transport: Light duty vehicles

Road transport: Heavy duty vehicles and buses

Road transport: Mopeds and motorcycles

Road transport: Gasoline evaporation

Road transport: Automobile tyre and brake wear

1A3bvii

Road transport: Automobile road abrasion

1A3c

Railways

1A3di(ii)

International inland waterways

1A3dii

1A3ei

National navigation (shipping)

Pipeline transport 

Non-road transport

Non-road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Road transport

Non-road transport

Non-road transport

Non-road transport

Non-road transport

145

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 4

Table A4.1 

Conversion chart for aggregated sector groups (cont.)

NFR code Full name

1A3eii

1A4ai

1A4aii

1A4bi

1A4bii

1A4ci

1A4cii

Other

Commercial/institutional: Stationary

Commercial/institutional: Mobile

Residential: Stationary 

Residential: Household and gardening (mobile)

Agriculture/forestry/fishing:	Stationary

EEA aggregated sector name

Non-road transport

Commercial, institutional and households

Commercial, institutional and households

Commercial, institutional and households

Commercial, institutional and households

Commercial, institutional and households

Agriculture/forestry/fishing:	Off-road	vehicles	and	other	machinery

Commercial, institutional and households

1A4ciii

Agriculture/forestry/fishing:	National	fishing

Non-road transport

Other stationary (including military)

Commercial, institutional and households

Other, mobile (including military, land-based and recreational boats)

Commercial, institutional and households

Fugitive emission from solid fuels: Coal mining and handling

Energy production and distribution

Fugitive emission from solid fuels: Solid fuel transformation

Energy production and distribution

Other fugitive emissions from solid fuels

Fugitive emissions oil: Exploration, production, transport

Fugitive	emissions	oil:	Refining/storage

Distribution of oil products

Fugitive emissions from natural gas (exploration, production, processing, 
transmission, storage, distribution and other)

Venting	and	flaring	(oil,	gas,	combined	oil	and	gas)

Other fugitive emissions from energy production 

Cement production

Lime production

Glass production 

Quarrying and mining of minerals other than coal

Construction and demolition

Storage, handling and transport of mineral products

Other mineral products

Ammonia production

Nitric acid production

Adipic acid production

Carbide production

Titanium dioxide production

Soda ash production

Chemical industry: Other

Storage, handling and transport of chemical products

Iron and steel production

Ferroalloys production

Aluminium production

Magnesium production

Lead production

Zinc production

Copper production

Nickel production

Other metal production

Storage, handling and transport of metal products

Domestic solvent use including fungicides

Road paving with asphalt

Asphalt	roofing

Coating applications 

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Energy production and distribution

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

1A5a

1A5b

1B1a

1B1b

1B1c

1B2ai

1B2aiv

1B2av

1B2b

1B2c

1B2d

2A1

2A2

2A3

2A5a

2A5b

2A5c

2A6

2B1

2B2

2B3

2B5

2B6

2B7

2B10a

2B10b

2C1

2C2

2C3

2C4

2C5

2C6

2C7a

2C7b

2C7c

2C7d

2D3a

2D3b

2D3c

2D3d

146

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Table A4.1 

Conversion chart for aggregated sector groups (cont.)

NFR code Full name

Degreasing

Dry cleaning

Chemical products

Printing

Other solvent use

Other product use

Pulp and paper industry

Food and beverages industry 

Other industrial processes

Wood processing

Production of POPs

Appendix 4

EEA aggregated sector name

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Industrial processes and product use

Consumption	of	POPs	and	heavy	metals	(e.g.	electrical	and	scientific	equipment)

Industrial processes and product use

Other production, consumption, storage, transportation or handling of bulk products

Industrial processes and product use

Manure management — Dairy cattle 

Manure management — Non-dairy cattle 

Manure management — Sheep

Manure management — Swine 

Manure	management	—	Buffalo

Manure management — Goats

Manure management — Horses

Manure management — Mules and asses

Manure management — Laying hens

Manure management — Broilers

Manure management — Turkeys

Manure management — Other poultry

Manure management — Other animals

Inorganic N-fertilisers (includes also urea application)

Animal manure applied to soils

Sewage sludge applied to soils

Other organic fertilisers applied to soils (including compost)

Urine and dung deposited by grazing animals 

Crop residues applied to soils

Indirect emissions from managed soils 

Farm-level agricultural operations including storage, handling and transport of 
agricultural products

Off-farm	storage,	handling	and	transport	of	bulk	agricultural	products

Cultivated crops

Use of pesticides

Field burning of agricultural residues

Agriculture other

Biological treatment of waste — Solid waste disposal on land

Biological treatment of waste — Composting

Biological treatment of waste — Anaerobic digestion at biogas facilities

Municipal waste incineration

Industrial waste incineration

Hazardous waste incineration

Clinical waste incineration

Sewage sludge incineration

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

147

2D3e

2D3f

2D3g

2D3h

2D3i

2G 

2H1

2H2

2H3 

2I

2J

2K

2L

3B1a

3B1b

3B2

3B3

3B4a

3B4d

3B4e

3B4f

3B4gi

3B4gii

3B4giii

3B4giv

3B4h

3Da1

3Da2a

3Da2b

3Da2c

3Da3

3Da4

3Db

3Dc

3Dd

3De

3Df

3F

3I

5A

5B1

5B2

5C1a

5C1bi

5C1bii

5C1biii

5C1biv

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 4

Table A4.1 

Conversion chart for aggregated sector groups (cont.)

NFR code Full name

EEA aggregated sector name

5C1bv

5C1bvi

5C2

5D1

5D2

5D3

5E

6A

Cremation

Other waste incineration

Open burning of waste

Domestic waste water handling

Industrial waste water handling

Other waste water handling

Other waste

Other (included in national total for entire territory)

Note:	

LTO,	landing/take-off.

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Waste

Other

148

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016AT

BE

BG

CY

CZ

DE

DK

EE

ES

FI

Appendix 5

Appendix 5  

 Member State informative  
inventory reports (IIRs)

Table A5.1 

List of submitted IIRs including source and date of submission (as of 8 May 2018)

Country  
code

Title of IIR

Austria's Informative Inventory Report (IIR) 2018. Submission 
under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary 
Air Pollution and Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of 
national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants

Informative Inventory Report — about Belgium's air emissions 
submitted under the Convention on Long Range Transboundary 
Air Pollution LRTAP Convention and National Emissions Ceiling 
Directive	NEC	Directive	—	March 2018

Bulgaria's Informative Inventory Report 2018 (IIR). Submission 
under the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air 
Pollution 

Cyprus Informative Inventory Report 2016

Source

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/at/un/
clrtap/iir/envwqadww/

Date of 
submission

15.3.2018 

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
be/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqx9w

15.3.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
bg/un/clrtap/iir/envwqkz5a/

14.3.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
cy/un/clrtap/iir/envwqkb6q/

14.3.2018

15.3.2018

Czech Informative Inventory Report 2018. Submission under the 
UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
cz/un/clrtap/iir/envwqfvog

German Informative Inventory Report 2018

http://iir-de.wikidot.com

No submission

Annual Danish Informative Inventory Report to UNECE. Emission 
inventories from the base year of the protocols to year 2016

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
dk/un/clrtap/iir/envwqogaa/

Estonian Informative Inventory Report 1990-2016. Submitted 
under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air 
Pollution 

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
ee/un/clrtap/iir/envwqpsxa 

15.3.2018

15.3.2018

Spain — Informative Inventory Report 1990-2016

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention and 
the EU NECD. Part I – General A. May 2018

Air Pollutant Emissions in Finland 1990-2016. Informative 
Inventory Report to the Secretariat of the UNECE Convention on 
Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Part 5 Annexes

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention 
and the EU NECD. Part 1B – General. May 2018

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention 
and the EU NECD. Part — IPPU. May 2018

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention 
and the EU NECD. Part 4. Agriculture and Waste

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention 
and the EU NECD. Part 2 Energy & Transport. May 2018

Finland's Informative Inventory Report 2017. Air Pollutant 
Emissions 1980-2016 under the UNECE LRTAP Convention 
and the EU NEC Directive 

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
es/un/clrtap/iir/envwplua

07.3.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwvikqq/ 

08.5.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwvgx2g/ 

08.5.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwvc6vq/ 

07.5.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwu9vkg/ 

06.5.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwuuaga/ 

03.5.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwupctq/ 

03.5.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fi/un/clrtap/iir/envwqm4qa/

15.3.2018

149

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016Appendix 5

Table A5.1 

List of submitted IIRs including source and date of submission (as of 8 May 2018) (cont.)

Title of IIR

Source

Inventaire des émissions de polluants atmosphériques en 
France au titre de la convention sur la pollution atmosphérique 
transfrontalière à longue distance et de la directive Européenne 
concernant la réduction des émissions nationales de certains 
polluants atmosphériques

UK Informative Inventory Report (1990 to 2016)

No IIR available

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
fr/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqndq/

Date of 
submission

15.3.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
gb/un/clrtap/iir/envwqfzza/

15.3.2018

Country  
code

FR

GB

GR

HR

Republic of Croatia 2018 — Informative Inventory Report 
(1990-2016) under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary 
Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) and National Emission Ceilings 
Directive (NECD 2016/2284/EU)

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
hr/un/clrtap/iir/envwqjz5w/

14.3.2018

HU

Informative Inventory Report — Hungary 2016

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
hu/un/clrtap/iir/envwql3ag/

15.3.2018

IE

IT

LT

LU

LV

MT

NL

PL

PT

RO

SE

SI

SK

Ireland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Air Pollutant 
Emissions in Ireland 1990-2016

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
ie/un/clrtap/iir/envwtn_3q 

20.4.2018

Italian Emission Inventory 1990-2016 — Informative Inventory 
Report 2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
it/un/clrtap/iir/envwqv2kq

16.3.2018

Lithuanian Pollutants Emission Inventory for Period 1990-2016

Luxembourg's Informative Inventory Report 1990-2016. 
Submission under the UNECE Convention on Long-Range 
Transboundary Air Pollution. DRAFT

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
lt/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqdsg/

http://cdr.eionet.europa.
eu/lu/eu/nec_revised/iir/
envwqp9tw

15.3.2018

15.3.2018

Latvia's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Submitted under the 
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
lv/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqvhw/

15.3.2018

Informative Inventory Report for Malta 2016

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
mt/un/clrtap/iir/envwurgoa/ 

03.5.2018

Informative Inventory Report 2018. Emissions of transboundary 
air pollutants in the Netherlands 1990-2016

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
nl/un/clrtap/iir/envwtc5fa/ 

13.4.2018

Poland's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Submission under 
UN ECE	Convention	on	Long-range	Transboundary	Air	Pollution	
and the DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/2284

Portuguese Informative Inventory Report 1990-2016. Submitted 
under the NEC Directive (EU) 2016/2284 and the UNECE 
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution 

Romania's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Submission 
under the UNECE Convention on Long Range Transboundary 
Air Pollution

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
pl/un/clrtap/iir/envwqolng/

15.3.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
pt/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqpq

15.3.2018

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
ro/un/clrtap/iir/envwqpiwq/

15.3.2018

Informative Inventory Report Sweden 2018. Submitted under the 
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution 

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
se/un/clrtap/iir/envwqeogg/

Slovenia's Informative Inventory Report 2018. Submission 
under the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary 
Air Pollution and Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of 
national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants

http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
si/un/clrtap/iir/envwqjfag/

13.3.2018

14.3.2018

Informative Inventory Report 2018. Slovak Republic. 
Air Pollutant Emissions 1990-2016

Informative Inventory Report 2018. Slovak Republic. 
Air Pollutant Emissions 1990-2016

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
sk/un/clrtap/iir/envwtcyiq/

13.4.2018

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/
sk/un/clrtap/iir/envwqqoig/

15.3.2018

150

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016European Environment Agency

European Union emission inventory report 1990-2016  
under the UNECE Convention on Long-range  
Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

2018 — 150 pp. — 21 x 29.7 cm

ISBN 978-92-9213-950-6
doi:10.2800/571876

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