Portugal has climbed three positions in the Green Transition Index (GTI), ranking 15th among the 29 European countries assessed in the 2025 study by consulting firm Oliver Wyman. With an overall score of 49 out of 100, Portugal slightly surpasses the European average (48.6 points) and shows positive progress compared to the first edition of the ranking in 2022, when it scored 48 points.
Portugal’s improvement in the index is mainly due to strong performance in three out of seven key categories: Buildings, Economy, and Nature. The country ranks 1st in the Buildings category (78.6 points), thanks to the use of renewable energy for heating homes, such as wood residues.
In the Economy sector (58.3 points, 13th place), reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and their intensity relative to GDP have boosted the country’s ranking. Meanwhile, in the Nature category (56 points, 14th place), Portugal made an impressive jump of 11 positions, performing notably well in organic farming, where it now holds the 4th position in Europe.
Despite these improvements, Portugal still faces challenges in several areas. The country ranks 25th in water management, while waste management remains one of its biggest weaknesses. Portugal dropped to 28th place in waste handling, with no progress in circular economy rates or landfill reduction, which remains 89% higher than the European average.
In the transport sector (19th place), the country struggles with low public transport usage (26th in Europe) and the slow growth of low-emission vehicles, which hinder further progress. The manufacturing industry (21st place) also saw a decline, reflecting slower progress toward carbon neutrality compared to other countries.
However, in the energy sector, Portugal remains a European leader, ranking 9th overall, despite dropping four positions. The country continues to excel in renewable energy use and advancements in battery storage projects, maintaining its reputation as a clean energy pioneer.
The Green Transition Index in Europe
The Green Transition Index measures countries’ progress in transitioning toward a more sustainable model, evaluating key sectors such as energy, transport, waste, economy, and buildings. The study aims to provide a clear picture of sustainability advancements in Europe, assisting policymakers and businesses in adjusting their strategies to meet climate goals.
Denmark leads the ranking with 60 points, followed by Austria and Norway, which stand out for their strong investments in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and environmental innovation. France and Spain rank in the middle, showing progress in specific areas but still struggling with major decarbonization challenges.
At the bottom of the ranking are Cyprus (29th), Bulgaria (28th), and Greece (27th), where waste management, energy efficiency, and environmental policy implementation remain problematic.
During the presentation of the study on Wednesday, Joana Freixa from Oliver Wyman emphasized that, despite Portugal’s progress, there is still a long way to go: “The results show that Portugal is on the right path, with significant improvements, but there is still much to do to climb further in the ranking.”
Portugal’s progress in the GTI reflects national efforts to achieve carbon neutrality but also highlights the sectors needing greater investment and innovation. The study suggests that Portugal should accelerate transport transition, improve waste management, and invest more in environmental innovation to continue climbing the ranking and ensure a more sustainable future.
