Greece has emerged as a top performer in European road safety improvements for 2025, recording a significant 22% decrease in traffic-related deaths compared to the previous year. According to preliminary data released by the European Commission on Tuesday, Greece’s progress was surpassed only by Estonia, which saw a 38% decline.
The figures represent a major step forward for a country that has historically struggled with high fatality rates. Across the 27-member European Union, road deaths decreased by approximately 3% in 2025, totaling around 19,400 fatalities—580 fewer than in 2024.
European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, noted that while the steady reduction shows joint efforts are working, “every life lost on our roads is one too many.”
Challenges remain in Greece on road safety
Despite the sharp decline, challenges remain for Greek road safety. With 50 deaths per million inhabitants, Greece still ranks sixth-highest in the EU for road mortality. It trails behind Bulgaria (71), Romania (68), Croatia (67), Latvia (63), and Portugal (55). For comparison, the safest roads in the bloc are found in Sweden and Denmark, with just 20 and 23 deaths per million inhabitants, respectively.
The Commission’s report highlights that the EU is striving for a 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2030, an intermediate milestone toward the “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road fatalities by 2050. While Greece’s 2025 performance is a “remarkable decrease,” the Commission warned that most Member States must sustain these efforts to meet the 2030 targets.
Identifying the risks
The data reveals specific demographic and geographic trends that continue to impact safety:
Vulnerable Users: In urban areas, 70% of fatalities involve “vulnerable road users,” including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Location: Rural roads remain the deadliest, accounting for 53% of all fatalities.
Demographics: Men account for 77% of road deaths, with a disproportionately high share of victims belonging to the 18–24 and 65+ age groups.
To address these issues, the EU is implementing updated requirements for driving licenses, better cross-border enforcement of traffic rules, and enhanced vehicle roadworthiness.
Finalized data for 2025 is expected to be published this autumn, providing a clearer picture of whether Greece’s downward trend will place it among the nations—such as Belgium and Poland—currently on track for the 2030 goals.
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