A new assessment of soil loss by water erosion in Europe was conducted using a modified version of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2015) to estimate soil loss in Europe for the reference year 2010. The study used the most recent and high-resolution pan-European datasets to model input factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, cover-management, topography, and support practices. The mean soil loss rate in the European Union's erosion-prone areas was found to be 2.46 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, resulting in an annual soil loss of 970 Mt. The study also incorporated the effects of policy scenarios based on land-use changes and support practices, showing that policy interventions over the past decade reduced the soil loss rate by 9.5% on average in Europe, and by 20% for arable lands. The study highlighted the need for targeted policy measures in areas with unsustainable soil loss rates. The RUSLE2015 model provided a detailed soil loss map at 100 m resolution, showing high soil loss rates in Mediterranean and Alpine regions. The model was validated against other data sources and showed good agreement. The study also discussed the impact of land cover types on soil loss, with croplands having similar rates to shrublands, while pastures and forests had much lower rates. The study emphasized the importance of soil protection measures in areas with high soil loss rates. The RUSLE2015 model was found to be a useful tool for simulating the effects of policy developments, land use changes, and land management practices on soil loss rates. The study concluded that the EU has a mean annual soil loss rate of 2.46 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with the highest rates in Mediterranean and Alpine regions. The study also highlighted the need for further research on the impact of climate change and land use changes on soil loss.A new assessment of soil loss by water erosion in Europe was conducted using a modified version of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2015) to estimate soil loss in Europe for the reference year 2010. The study used the most recent and high-resolution pan-European datasets to model input factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, cover-management, topography, and support practices. The mean soil loss rate in the European Union's erosion-prone areas was found to be 2.46 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, resulting in an annual soil loss of 970 Mt. The study also incorporated the effects of policy scenarios based on land-use changes and support practices, showing that policy interventions over the past decade reduced the soil loss rate by 9.5% on average in Europe, and by 20% for arable lands. The study highlighted the need for targeted policy measures in areas with unsustainable soil loss rates. The RUSLE2015 model provided a detailed soil loss map at 100 m resolution, showing high soil loss rates in Mediterranean and Alpine regions. The model was validated against other data sources and showed good agreement. The study also discussed the impact of land cover types on soil loss, with croplands having similar rates to shrublands, while pastures and forests had much lower rates. The study emphasized the importance of soil protection measures in areas with high soil loss rates. The RUSLE2015 model was found to be a useful tool for simulating the effects of policy developments, land use changes, and land management practices on soil loss rates. The study concluded that the EU has a mean annual soil loss rate of 2.46 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with the highest rates in Mediterranean and Alpine regions. The study also highlighted the need for further research on the impact of climate change and land use changes on soil loss.