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This paper evaluates the energy efficiency of EU countries over the period 2000-2010. At the first stage, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used, combining multiple energy consumption data and economic outputs. The efficiency estimates obtained from the analysis are evaluated in a second stage through a multiple criteria decision aiding methodology (MCDA). The proposed non-parametric approach combining DEA with MCDA enables modeling of the problem in an integrated manner, not only providing energy efficiency estimates but also supporting the analysis of the main contributing factors, as well as the development of a benchmarking model for energy efficiency evaluation at the country level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental efficiency is considered to be a critical pillar of sustainable development; consequently, improving environmental performance has aroused attention at both the local and global level. This study evaluated the environmental performance of European Union (EU) countries using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach and the global Malmquist-Luenberger index. Although literature using the DEA approach to measure environmental performance exists, this study's main contribution was considering different types of undesirable outputs and using long-term panel data on EU countries. In particular, the DEA window analysis technique was applied to evaluate the environmental performance of 27 EU countries in cross-sectional and time-varying data during the period 2000–2017. Three DEA models were examined; labor, capital, and energy were used as common inputs with a combination of different outputs, including gross domestic product, carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions, and waste. The empirical results revealed that the trends in the environmental performance of the entire EU and its individual countries were similar under all examined models. Environmental performance was indeed negatively affected by the financial crisis of 2007–2008; this impact was mainly observed in eastern EU countries. Furthermore, both economic and environmental variables significantly influenced countries' overall efficiency. The analysis using the global Malmquist-Luenberger index elucidated that overall, EU countries experienced the efficiency improvement during the study period, although fluctuations were observed. These results enable countries and policymakers to understand their environmental performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set targets for further improvement based on the current best practices of comparable peers. • Environmental performance in EU countries was evaluated. • DEA window analysis and GML index were applied to measure countries' performance. • Data from 27 EU countries from 2000–2017 were used. • Economic–energy–environmental effects on environmental performance were evaluated. • Both economic and environmental variables significantly affected performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]