The data published by Eurostat on 8 April 2026 shows that employment in the EU environmental economy has increased significantly over the past decade. Accordingly, employment in the environmental economy rose from 3.6 million in 2014 to 5.8 million in 2023, marking an increase of 2.2 million over ten years. The 4.2% year-on-year increase recorded in 2023 indicates that a broad range of green economic activities—from waste and wastewater management to energy efficiency, renewable energy and resource management—are becoming increasingly influential in the labour market. Eurostat data also show that the output of the environmental economy reached approximately €1.33 trillion over the same period.

Evaluating this expansion in the environmental economy, IKV Chairperson Dr. Ayhan Zeytinoğlu stated that the green transition is no longer limited to climate objectives but has become a strategic field directly linked to growth, competitiveness and employment.

In his statement, Dr. Zeytinoğlu said:

“The latest data published by Eurostat clearly demonstrate the employment-creating capacity of the green transition in the EU. The increase in employment in the environmental economy from 3.6 million to 5.8 million between 2014 and 2023, particularly the strong growth in areas linked to renewable energy and energy efficiency, shows that green policies now generate not only environmental but also economic and social outcomes. The 124.2% increase in environmental-economy-related employment in the construction sector over the same period also clearly reflects the impact of this transformation on the real economy. This picture shows that green investments in Europe are creating new jobs, expanding production capacity and contributing to a more resilient economy.”

Green Economy Offers Opportunities for Employment and Growth in Türkiye

Dr. Zeytinoğlu also noted that this trend in the EU should be carefully assessed from Türkiye’s perspective, stating:

“As Türkiye accelerates industrial transformation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, circular economy and clean technology investments, it can both create new employment opportunities and strengthen its long-term growth performance. Considering Türkiye’s young population, industrial infrastructure and production capacity compatible with the green transition, the development of the green economy can yield positive outcomes not only in environmental terms but also in terms of job creation, increased competitiveness and deeper economic integration with the EU. Therefore, Türkiye should approach the green transition not only as a process of alignment but also as a core element of its development and employment strategy.”