Heterogeneity in Air Pollution Levels and Their Techno‑economic Determinants: A Cluster Analysis of the EU–27

The ongoing decline in environmental quality is one of the biggest global challenges facing humankind today. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences and similarities among the EU–27 countries regarding air pollution emissions (greenhouse gases and acidifying gases) and their techno-economic determinants, which encompass economic, energy, innovation and institutional quality factors. The analysis covers nine indicators that reflect pollution emissions and fifteen variables that illustrate air pollution drivers. Cluster analysis of the data averaged for the period 2015–2020 was used to identify subgroups of countries. The results show that European Union (EU) countries substantially differ in terms of both air pollution levels and the determinants of the emissions. The analysis revealed a noticeable division between Eastern EU countries, which show similar patterns both in terms of pollution and determinants, and Western EU countries, which were characterised by greater diversity in terms of the analysed features. In light of the results, the assertion about backward and polluted new EU member states compared to more advanced and environmentally uncontaminated old EU countries appears to oversimplify the reality. The findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on environmental quality. Our results indicate the need and space for initiatives that address factors that influence air pollution in order to impede environmental degradation. However, due to the revealed heterogeneity among countries, the efforts should be tailored to the specific country’s characteristics.