We provide an empirical study of the evolution of emissions of some specific air pollutants on a panel of EU member states from 1990 to 2000, and we relate observed patterns to macroeconomic performance. The ratio pollution emission to GDP, so-called emission intensity, has decreased over the period considered in most EU member states. However, a non-parametric analysis reveals that the relative positions of different countries in terms of GDP growth and reduction of emissions have remained basically unchanged. More specifically, remarkable differences can be detected between the richest and the poorest EU members notwithstanding. Also, more dispersion in emissions levels can be found in those countries with lower per capita GDP.