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Assessing the effect of transportation investments on efficiency and sustainability of EU roads

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  • Gökgöz, Fazıl
  • Macit, Gökhan

Abstract

The European Union's (EU) transportation policies align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability. This study examines road transport efficiency and sustainability in 20 EU countries (2016–2021) using a two-stage Super Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) Data Envelopment Analysis. Stage 1 assesses energy efficiency with investments, employment, and energy consumption as inputs, and freight-km and passenger-km as outputs. Belgium ranks highest among high-income countries, while Finland and Sweden score lower. In the lower-income group, Italy is the most efficient, while Estonia, Croatia, and Lithuania perform weaker. Stage 2 evaluates sustainability using Stage 1 outputs as inputs, with GHG emissions, road fatalities, and turnover as outputs. The Netherlands leads in sustainability, while France, Germany, and Finland rank lower. Estonia tops the lower-income group, while Bulgaria, Greece, and Croatia lag. Findings highlight the need for balanced policies to enhance mobility and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Gökgöz, Fazıl & Macit, Gökhan, 2026. "Assessing the effect of transportation investments on efficiency and sustainability of EU roads," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:175:y:2026:i:c:s0967070x25004160
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103873
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