EU warns that pace of reduction in accident rates is insufficient to meet 2030 target
On 16 February 2026, the European Commission published its progress report on European road safety policy, reiterating its goal of halving the number of deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Despite the progress made, Brussels warns that the current pace is insufficient to meet the targets.
In 2024, 19,940 people died on EU roads, representing a 12% decrease compared to 2019, but falling short of the annual reduction needed to meet the 2030 target. The Commission also highlights the socio-economic impact of road accidents, estimated at around 2% of the EU’s GDP, and points out that up to 100,000 people suffer injuries with lasting consequences every year.
The report on Portugal reinforces the urgency of protecting pedestrians and cyclists
The country report highlights relevant challenges for Portugal, with direct implications for active mobility (walking and cycling):
- 58 deaths per million inhabitants (2024) (above the EU average of 45) and 618 fatalities (provisional data);
- -10% fewer deaths compared to 2019, but +5% more serious injuries in 2023 (2,500 people) compared to 2019;
- Strong urban context: in 2023, 55% of deaths occurred on urban roads;
- Between 2019 and 2023, deaths among cyclists increased by 22% and the increase in serious injuries was even more significant (+49%).
European priorities with a direct impact on active mobility
- To accelerate results, the Commission is presenting a set of actions in five priority areas:
- safer infrastructure and intelligent transport systems;
- enhanced enforcement and deterrence of risky behaviour;
- vehicle safety technologies; response to new forms of mobility (e.g. scooters and personal mobility devices);
- research, monitoring and reporting on progress.
The Commission calls on local and regional authorities to adopt integrated approaches, incorporating safety into urban and mobility planning, ensuring adequate infrastructure for vulnerable users and implementing systematic programmes to eliminate accident black spots. Measures such as speed management, safe crossings and continuous, protected pedestrian and cycle networks are key to reducing deaths and serious injuries.
