Socioeconomic determinants of environmental efficiency: the case of the European Union

The study’s main objective is to assess and evaluate the models of socioeconomic determinants of environmental efficiency in the European Union countries from 2010 to 2018. The two-step data envelopment analysis is implemented, using both constant and variable returns to scale assumption. Moreover, the results of the model of environmental efficiency determinants from four areas—tourism, circular economy, energy and resources use and quality of life—are presented. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that it is necessary to develop the concept of sustainable tourism because the enormous increase in foreign tourists harms environmental efficiency. It is also necessary to gradually transform economies into less energy-intensive towards knowledge-based economies. The positive impact of measures related to the pain of the circular economy was also demonstrated. In conclusion, we present several recommendations for EU policies concerning the current economic and energy situation.