A meta-analysis of N2O EFs in Mediterranean cropping systems was conducted. Mediterranean EFs (average of 0.5%) were lower than the IPCC default value (1%). Annual rainfall, water management and crop type highly affected EFs. Drip irrigation (EF = 0.51%) is a promising measure to mitigate N2O emissions. The use of new EFs would reduce the estimation of Spanish N2O emissions 2-fold.