Road traffic deaths across the European Union continue to decline, with Greece recording a remarkable 22% reduction in 2025. This milestone is highlighted in the annual Road Safety Performance Index report, published by the European Transport Safety Council. More specifically, Greece achieved a historic low of 517 fatalities, down from 665 in 2024 — marking the country’s best road safety record since 1963.
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Road traffic accidents: The European picture and Greece’s progress
In 2025, approximately 19,500 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents across the European Union, while more than 100,000 sustained serious injuries. Overall, fatalities have fallen by 15% compared to the baseline year. In the previous year alone, the reduction across Europe stood at 2%. To meet the EU’s 2030 road safety target, an average annual reduction of 6.1% is required — underscoring the scale of the challenge that remains.
With 50 deaths per million inhabitants, Greece is now approaching the European average. This significant progress is linked to several factors, including intensified enforcement of traffic violations such as failure to wear a helmet and drink-driving, targeted infrastructure improvements, and the implementation of a stricter Highway Code.
The Netherlands: An outlier in Europe
Meanwhile, the Netherlands stands as the only major European country where road deaths per million inhabitants are higher than they were a decade ago. The country’s widespread cycling culture makes the need for stronger road safety policies all the more urgent. Across Europe, serious injuries are declining at a slower rate than fatalities, with more than 100,000 people suffering life-altering consequences each year.
