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The EU27 countries exert significant influence on the global patterns of the CO 2 -Emissions-Water-Energy (CWE) nexus. However, whether the associated benefits are similar for all countries is unclear. In this paper, an EU27 multiregional input-output model, at a sector level to identify the inter-regional and -sectoral CWE flows, and clarify the regional, sectoral and worldwide patterns of EU27 CWE network is presented. The results revealed an environmental inequality across the EU27 and impacts on the rest of the world. The EU27 countries contributed 1.4 Gt less CO 2 emissions, 64.5 Gm3 less water utilisation and 49 EJ less energy consumption, compared to the rest of the world while generating the equivalent economic output in 2014. This has dramatic effects upon the global environment. Germany, France and Italy are the biggest beneficiaries in the CWE nexus in the EU27. It is recommended that the EU27 provide more technical support to upstream countries in the EU and elsewhere to strive to improve their resource utilisation efficiencies. • The critical Carbon-Water-Energy (CWE) flows across the EU27 are analysed. • The regional, sectoral and worldwide patterns of EU27 CWE network are clarified. • An environmental inequality across the EU27 and impacts on the rest of the world. • Germany, France and Italy are the biggest beneficiaries in the CWE network of EU27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]