Decoupling of economic activity from transport-related energy consumption: an analysis for European Union member countries

In this paper, the evolution across different time periods of coupling and decoupling relationships between transport-related energy consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) for the EU-28 member countries is analysed. Focusing on the period before and after the economic crisis of the year 2008, it is noticeable a differentiation of the relation between economic growth and transport-related energy consumption, as after the economic crisis the vast majority of countries have passed the threshold of coupling and are subjected to a form of decoupling. This new reality creates a significant opportunity for transport activities and for travel habits to enter into a continuous process of rationalisation and reduction of both energy consumption and other transport-related harmful effects to the environment. It is a political and institutional challenge to maintain the observed decoupling, by strengthening and encouraging the green mobility, the environmentally friendly and efficient mobility, which is one of the greatest tasks of the future.