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EU Pollution Concerns Drop; Malta Tops Environmental Issues

9/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, 12.2% of the EU population reported pollution or environmental issues, a decrease from 15.1% in 2019.
Malta had the highest rate at 34.7%, followed by Greece at 20.5% and Germany at 16.8%.
Croatia reported the lowest rate at 4.2%, with Sweden at 5.0% and Slovakia at 5.8%.
Urban areas experienced higher exposure, with 17.2% affected compared to 6.8% in rural areas.

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Story summary

In 2023, 12.2% of the EU population reported pollution or environmental issues, a decrease from 15.1% in 2019.
Malta had the highest rate at 34.7%, followed by Greece at 20.5% and Germany at 16.8%.
Croatia reported the lowest rate at 4.2%, with Sweden at 5.0% and Slovakia at 5.8%.
Urban areas experienced higher exposure, with 17.2% affected compared to 6.8% in rural areas.