Emissions from road transport rose 0.7% in 2006 while overall emissions in the 27 EU member states fell by 0.3%. Aviation's and shipping's contributions rose sharply.
Across all sectors, emissions of carbon dioxide remained stable, while the overall 0.3% reduction was mainly due to reduced emissions of nitrous oxide from chemical plants.
Lower gas and oil use in households also contributed.
Total EU greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 were just over 51 billion tonnes, about 7.7% below 1990 levels, leaving Europe on track for its reduction target under the Kyoto protocol of 8% by the end of this year.