The European Union saw greenhouse gas emissions fall by nearly 2% last year, putting the EU “well on track” to reaching its 2020 target.

Emissions dropped by 1.8% compared to 2012 and reached the lowest levels since 1990, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said.

The EU has set a goal to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases by 20% by the end of the decade.

However, the EU is likely to surpass its target, cutting emissions by 21% by 2020, the EEA added.

Connie Hedegaard, EU Climate Action Commissioner said: “Delivering on 2020 climate goals shows that Europe is ready to step up its act. And better, still: it shows that the EU is delivering substantial cuts. The policies work.”