The Energy Footprint in the EU: How CO 2 Emission Reductions Drive Sustainable Development

Dariusz Sala, Oksana Liashenko, Michał Pyzalski (), Kostiantyn Pavlov, Olena Pavlova, Karol Durczak and Roman Chornyi
Additional contact information
Dariusz Sala: Faculty of Management, AGH University of Krakow, A. Mickiewicza Ave. 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Oksana Liashenko: Loughborough Business School, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
Michał Pyzalski: Faculty of Management, AGH University of Krakow, A. Mickiewicza Ave. 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Kostiantyn Pavlov: Faculty of Economics and Management, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Voli Ave, 13, 43-025 Lutsk, Ukraine
Olena Pavlova: Faculty of Management, AGH University of Krakow, A. Mickiewicza Ave. 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Karol Durczak: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
Roman Chornyi: Novovolynsk Educational and Research Institute of Economics and Management, West Ukrainian National University, Novovolynsk Shevchenko Boulevard 2, 45-400 Novovolynsk, Ukraine

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: Understanding how sectoral CO 2 emissions shape sustainable development outcomes is essential for designing effective energy and economic strategies within the European Union (EU). This study presents a multidimensional analysis of CO 2 emissions, the contributions of individual sectors, and their connections to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using Bayesian network analysis, the research identifies significant interdependencies between emission reductions and progress in sustainable development, highlighting the complex relationship between energy transition, economic growth, and social justice. The findings show that total CO 2 emissions in the EU have decreased since 1990; however, the rate of reduction varies across sectors and member states. The most substantial decreases have been recorded in the energy sector, while industrial processes and agriculture show slower progress. Economic crises, such as the 2008 financial collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to temporary declines in emissions; however, lasting achievements in sustainability require structural transformations rather than short-term disruptions. The Bayesian model reveals strong connections between emission reductions and progress on clean energy (SDG 7), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13), while also indicating indirect impacts on economic growth (SDG 8) and social equity. This highlights the importance of integrated policymaking to maximise the benefits of sustainable development. This study provides a data-driven foundation for enhancing EU climate strategies, ensuring that emission reductions support environmental goals, economic resilience, and social well-being.

Keywords: energy footprint; sustainable development; Bayesian network; CO 2 emissions; EU policy; sectoral analysis; Sustainable Development Goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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