Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis: A Case of Central Europe

The rapid economic growth observed in Central European countries the last thirty years has been result of profound political changes and liberalization. This is partly connected with reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, problem CO2 emissions seems to remain unresolved. aim this paper test whether Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis holds true for an annual sample data that covers 1995–2016 most countries. We examine cointegration by applying Autoregressive Distributed Lag bound testing. first study examining relationship between individual from a long-run perspective, which allows results be compared. confirmed cointegration, but our estimates EKC only Poland. It should also noted all nine countries, energy consumption leads increased elasticity ranges 1.5 Bulgaria 2.0 Croatia. exceptionally low Estonia (0.49). Our findings suggest solve environmental degradation Europe, it necessary individualize policies implemented Union.