A provisional political consensus on stricter rules to tackle air pollution has been secured by the European Council presidency in conjunction with representatives from Parliament. The overarching goal is to realize a zero-pollution environment in the European Union (EU) by the year 2050.
The proposal also aims to align EU air quality standards with recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Underlying Triggers
Despite notable advancements in EU air quality over the last 30 years, air pollution remains the foremost environmental cause of premature mortality, resulting in an annual toll of 300,000 premature deaths. The adverse effects of poor air quality span a range of illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues, diabetes, dementia, and lung cancer.
In response to this challenge, the EU has implemented two ambient air quality directives since 2004 and 2008. The European Commission proposed the revision of these directives in October 2022 as part of the EU’s zero pollution action plan within the European Green Deal framework.
Aligned with the WHO’s recommendations, the proposal merges and updates the existing directives, introducing a zero-pollution objective for air by 2050. Interim targets for 2030 have also been set. Additionally, it will better support local authorities to achieve cleaner air by strengthening air quality monitoring.
Air Quality Overhaul
Limit and target values that align more closely with WHO guidelines have been introduced to strengthen EU air quality standards by 2030. These standards, covering various air pollutants, such as fine particles and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, SO2, benzo(a)pyrene, arsenic, lead, and nickel, will undergo regular reviews. The revised directive establishes specific standards for each substance, proposing, for example, a reduction in annual limit values for PM2.5 and NO2 from 25 µg/m3 to 10 µg/m3 and from 40 µg/m3 to 20 µg/m3, respectively.
The provisional agreement allows member states to request an extension of the 2030 deadline for achieving air quality limit values under certain conditions. For areas facing challenges due to specific climatic or orographic conditions or where necessary reductions impact domestic heating systems, an extension until January 1, 2040, is possible. Additionally, projections indicating unattainability may allow postponement of the deadline until January 1, 2035, with the option of extending it for 2 more years.
In instances of surpassing limits or facing a risk of breaching alert or information thresholds for specific pollutants, member states should
Develop an air quality roadmap before 2030 if pollutant levels exceed the set limit or target values between 2026 and 2029.Formulate air quality plans for regions where pollutant levels exceed directive-defined limits and targets post deadline.Establish short-term action plans outlining emergency measures (eg, restricting vehicle circulation) to mitigate immediate health risks.
Path Forward
The proposal is set to undergo review by member states’ representatives in the Council and the Parliament’s environment committee. Once approved, it will undergo formal adoption by both institutions, undergo lawyer-linguist revisions, and subsequently be published in the EU’s Official Journal to take effect. Member states will then have a 2-year window post entry into force to incorporate the directive.
Various European health groups have come together in their call for the European Parliament and member states to swiftly adopt the agreement.
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