DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 18 March 2025
2024 sees 3% drop in EU road fatalities, yet progress remains slow
Today, the European Commission is publishing preliminary figures on road fatalities for 2024. Around 19,800 people were killed in road crashes in the EU last year, a slight 3% drop compared to 2023. It is the equivalent to 600 fewer lives lost. Even if road fatalities decreased more significantly in 2024 than they did in 2023, the overall pace of improvement remains too slow, and most Member States are not on track to meet the EU's goal of halving road deaths by 2030. In March 2023, to strengthen its commitment to road safety, the Commission introduced a package of proposals to improve road safety, including updated driving licence requirements and cross-border enforcement, and will soon adopt new roadworthiness legislation to reduce unsafe vehicles on EU roads.
Diverging trends across Member States
Road Safety progress across the EU remains uneven, with some countries making significant strides while others struggle to reduce fatalities. Over the past five years, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy have seen only modest declines in road deaths, while Ireland and Estonia have experienced an increase – although annual fluctuations in smaller countries tend to be more pronounced. In contrast, Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovenia are making strong progress toward the 50% reduction target.
Sweden and Denmark remain the safest countries in terms of road safety, with low fatality rates of 20 and 24 deaths per million inhabitants, respectively. Meanwhile, Romania (77/million) and Bulgaria (74/million), which still have some of the highest fatality rates, have made significant progress in reducing road deaths, with declines of over 20% since 2019. The EU average is 44 road deaths per million inhabitants.
Most affected groups and risk factors
Rural roads continue to pose the greatest risk, with 52% of fatalities occurring on these roads. The majority of road deaths (77%) involve men, while older adults (65+) and young people (18-24) are particularly vulnerable road users. In terms of road user type, car occupants account for the largest share of fatalities, followed by motorcyclists (20%), pedestrians (18%), and cyclists (10%). Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, make up nearly 70% of urban fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect them.
Background
In 2018, the EU set itself a 50% reduction target for road deaths – and, for the first time, also serious injuries – by 2030. This was set out in the Commission's Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety and EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030, which also laid out road safety plans aiming to reach zero road deaths by 2050 (‘Vision Zero').
In March 2023, the Commission put forward a package of proposals tackling road safety, including updated requirements for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement of road traffic rules. To further contribute to these efforts, the Commission will soon adopt new proposals to revise its roadworthiness legislation, aiming to reduce the number of unsafe vehicles on EU roads and related crashes.
Road safety has also been a core element of EU mobility policy initiatives, including the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the new TEN-T regulation and the Urban Mobility Framework.
Along with today's statistics, the European Road Safety Observatory also published a new annual statistical report with data up to 2023 and in-depth thematic reports on road safety in relation to children, professional drivers and traffic safety culture.
For more information
Road safety statistics 2024 in more detail
The 2024 figures are based on preliminary data for most countries and are subject to changes when the final data are released in autumn 2025. Estimates for 2024 cover the whole year and all roads and refer to deaths within 30 days but for the following countries they are based on partial data: Belgium and Portugal (each based on data for the first six months). Note that in the Netherlands, police-registered fatalities are under-reported by around 10-15%. There were 3 road deaths in Liechtenstein in 2024.
Data for 2024 is compared with three time-periods: 2023 (the previous year), 2019 (the baseline year for the target of 50% fewer deaths by 2030) and the average of 2017-19 (to take account of fluctuations in small countries). The percentage changes in the table are based on the absolute number of fatalities rather than the rate per million population.
Quote(s)
While the 3% reduction in road fatalities is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. Too many lives are still lost on our roads every year. We must accelerate efforts to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users and in high-risk areas like rural roads. Every death is one too many, and we remain committed to achieving our Vision Zero goal.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
Commission proposes to extend adequacy decisions for the UK by six months for free and safe data flows
Today, the Commission has proposed to adopt an extension of the two 2021 adequacy decisions with the United Kingdom for a period of six months. With this extension, the free flow of data with the UK would be maintained until 27 December 2025. This will allow time for the legislative process to conclude in the UK. Once concluded, the Commission will assess the new legal framework and decide on its adequacy. In the meantime, the UK data protection rules that were found adequate in 2021 remain in place and continue to apply to data transferred from the EU.
Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, said: “The adequacy decisions are key to our relationship with the UK. They ensure data can flow freely and safely, which is crucial for trade, justice, and law enforcement cooperation. Our proposal will allow the Commission to assess whether to renew these decisions based on a stable legal framework, while keeping data flows to the UK uninterrupted.”
The draft extension decisions will now be transmitted to the European Data Protection Board for its opinion, as part of the adoption procedure. Once approved, the extension will be valid until 27 December 2025.
Once the UK's legislative process on the Data Bill introduced in the UK Parliament on 23 October 2024 concludes, the Commission will assess whether the UK continues to provide an adequate level of protection for personal data. If that assessment is positive, the Commission will propose to renew the UK adequacy decisions.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
Speech by President von der Leyen at the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria
“Check against delivery”
Secretary-General Guterres, dear António,
Dear Kaja,
Minister al-Shaibani,
Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past ten years, we have met in Brussels to stand with the people of Syria. Even in the darkest moments of the war, when the Assad regime was dropping chemical weapons on its people, and there seemed to be no possible solution to the conflict, we gathered at the Brussels Conference to keep the hope alive.
One of the first Conferences was opened by the words of Farah – a six-year-old Syrian girl living in the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. Thanks to our collective support, she could go to school and keep working for a better future. Today, Farah is a grown-up girl. She wants to become a journalist in her native Syria. But for the first time ever since we have theses conferences, her wish is not just a dream. It is a real possibility. Because Syria is a new country. Today the dreams and aspirations of the Syrian people are no longer on hold. For the first time in decades, Syria's hope can become reality.
Of course, the path to reconciliation and recovery is still long. On the one hand, we see very encouraging steps. The agreement between the central authorities and the Kurdish SDF, for instance, is nothing short of historic. As is the signing of a constitutional declaration by interim President al-Sharaa. On the other hand, the attacks on security forces and the violence against civilians in Syria's coastal region show that the situation remains fragile. Once again, we have seen Syrian mothers weep for their lost children, and old wounds reopen. The Syrian authorities' commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, to protect minorities, and form an inclusive government – all of this is vital for reconciliation.
From our side, we must do everything in our power to support these goals and a successful transition. This is why we gather here today. We want the Syrian people to know that we will be with them every step of the way. And this is why it is so important that, for the first time, we are joined by Minister al-Shaibani. In the past, we have always worked for Syria and for Syrians. But today, we can finally work with Syria. And this gives new meaning to our Brussels Conference. We would like to hear from you about the needs of your people, and your plans for rebuilding State institutions. For every new step you take towards an inclusive political transition, we are ready to move forward with you. Europe is ready to do its part. And this is what I would like to focus on.
First, we will continue to address the most immediate and humanitarian needs. Second, we want to support socio-economic recovery. And third, we want to support an inclusive political transition.
On the first point. Since the start of the conflict, we have provided over EUR 37 billion in support of Syrians. Now that Assad has fallen, this support is even more important. According to the UNHCR, 1.5 million Syrians might return to their country already this year. And two more million people, who are currently displaced within Syria, could potentially return to their homes. Today we are working with the host countries and UN agencies to support them along the way. Basic services must be restored. Electricity is only available for a few hours per day. There is not enough drinking water. Syrian children must be able to go back to school. All this is vital to re-build a normal and dignified life. Syrians need greater support – whether they are still abroad, or they decide to go home. This is why today the European Union is increasing its pledge for Syrians – in the country and in the region – to almost EUR 2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026. And we call on all who are here today to do the same. Because at this critical time, the people of Syria need us more than ever.
But as we tackle the immediate needs of Syrians, we must also start looking to the future of the country. This is my second point. There are entire cities to rebuild, and a whole economy to restart. This is why we have suspended our sanctions on key economic sectors, including energy, transport, and the financial transactions that are linked to them. And we are ready to do more to attract the necessary investments for reconstruction, as the political transition advances towards a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government. As long as progress continues, we are also willing to scale up our support for recovery and reconstruction – together with our partners in the region and across the world. Syria used to be one of the economic powers of the Middle East. And we want to be partners for recovery and growth of a new Syria.
In the old Syria, a dictator controlled all political and economic power. But in the new Syria, power can go back to where it belongs – that is, to the people of Syria. And this is the third issue where we can be of help. Here at the Brussels Conferences, we have always hosted Syria's civil society representatives – both from inside the country and in exile. Some of them were banned by the Assad regime because of their ideas. But now they can finally be heard. I am proud to announce that this year we are planning to hold the civil society dialogue of the Brussels Conference in Damascus. Because all Syrians deserve to take their future into their hands.
Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all – men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can so that it can be fulfilled.
Thank you. And long live Europe.
EU pledges €2.5 billion to support Syria and the region
Today, in a pivotal moment for Syria's transition, the European Union hosted the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition.”
Amid renewed hope and significant challenges after the fall of the Assad regime, the EU alongside EU Member States, regional and international partners, as well as, Syria's transitional authorities, reaffirmed its support for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition.
In a clear demonstration of the EU ongoing support, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is committing nearly €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026 to aid Syria's transition process and the country's socio-economic recovery, while also addressing the urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in the host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Türkiye.
For 2025, the EU increased its pledge made at the eighth Brussels Conference, from €560 million to €720.5 million, to support the population inside Syria, as well as Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities across Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Additionally, the EU committed €600 million for 2026 for these countries; and pledged €1.1 billion to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Türkiye for 2025 and 2026.
The ministerial event featured a political session chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and two pledging sessions chaired successively by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.
Members of Syria's civil society participated in the Conference, offering invaluable insights from the ground. The conference also served as a platform to reaffirm the EU's commitment to safeguard a prominent and inclusive role for civil society — in all its diversity — in the post-Assad Syria.
The Conference aimed at fostering efficiency and coordination among international partners and UN entities, ensuring that assistance meaningfully supports Syria's socio-economic recovery – an effort that must be both Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned.
Background:
The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organisation of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly €37 billion in humanitarian and resilience assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.
Of course, the path to reconciliation and recovery is still long, but for the first time in decades, Syria’s hope can become reality. Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all – men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can so that it can be fulfilled.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Today marks a pivotal moment in Syria's journey. This conference is more than pledges. It is a message of collective support for a peaceful, inclusive Syrian led and Syrian owned transition in Syria. It is a show of international commitment to a safe future for all Syrians. Justice, reconciliation, and reconstruction are fundamental parts of this. The people of Syria have lived through decades of horror. It’s high time that all Syrians can live safely in peace.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Today marks a new chapter for Syria—one of inclusivity, commitment, and progress. The EU stands in unwavering solidarity with the Syrian people, reaffirming our shared goal of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition, grounded in human rights and international law. Our increased pledges and renewed engagement reflect a steadfast commitment to stability, recovery, and a brighter future for all Syrians.
Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for Mediterranean
Today the international community has reaffirmed its strong solidarity with the people of Syria in all its diversity. The pledges made at this conference are more than financial commitments — they are a lifeline for millions. Syria’s future must be one of dignity, opportunity, and peace, and the support pledged today brings us closer to that vision. The European Union will continue to stand by the Syrian people, not only in responding to urgent humanitarian needs but in helping to build a just, inclusive, and stable future. Together, we are not just offering aid — we are investing in hope, resilience, and a path toward lasting peace.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
The EU mobilises international support for Syria's transition and the region raising €5.8 billion
On 17 March, during the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference on “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition” hosted by the European Union, the donor community pledged a total amount of €5.8 billion. This financial commitment, in such a pivotal historical moment, shows the willingness of the EU and the international community to support Syria and its people, towards an inclusive transition and pave the path to rebuilding the country.
The overall figure includes the nearly €2.5 billion pledged by the EU for 2025 and 2026, announced during the Conference by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The total amount pledged by the EU and its Member States amounted to almost €3.4 billion, reaffirming them as the largest donor to Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The Ministerial meeting brought together representatives from EU Member States, neighbouring countries, other partner countries, international organisations, including the UN, and international financial institutions; as well as Syria interim Foreign Minister al-Shaibani, who attended the Conference for the first time since its launch.
The event was successful in mobilising vital financial support to address the most pressing needs for a successful transition.
Since 2011, providing to date nearly €37 billion in response to the Syrian crisis, the European Union and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region.
As key supporter of Syrian civil society, the EU also intends to promote a future meeting of Syrian civil society from across Syria and the diaspora, in Damascus, later this year.
CALENDAR
Calendrier du lundi 17 mars 2025 au dimanche 23 mars 2025
18 March
Mr Costas Kadis receives Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); awards the medals for 20 years of service at the European Commission
Mr Costas Kadis receives representatives of the European Mollusc Producers Association (EMPA); receives representatives of the Environmental Justice Foundation; receives Ms Livia Spera, General Secretary of the European Transport Worker's Federation.
20 March
Mr Costas Kadis in Norway: on official visit.
21 March
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