Poles score their air quality better than many other EU countries.
Although some cities struggle with smog, Poland is one of the cleanest countries in the EU, according to a Eurostat study. Only 7.1 percent of the population complains about pollution, dirt, or environmental problems.
The findings are notable considering Poland is the EU country most reliant on coal for energy production, a fossil fuel typically associated with pollution and smog. Germany follows in second place in terms of consuming coal. In 2024, both countries accounted for two-thirds of total coal consumption for the entire EU.
While Poland and Germany consume the most coal of all EU countries, coal consumption has also dipped dramatically in both countries over the last few years.