Commission welcomes provisional agreement for cleaner air in the EU

The Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive. Once adopted, the new law will set 2030 EU air quality standards aligned more closely with the WHO global air quality guidelines. This is an important step to better protect our health and move forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050.

Cleaner ambient air by 2030

With the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive, the annual limit value for the main pollutant – fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – is cut by more than half. A regular review of the air quality standards to reassess them, in line with the latest scientific evidence as well as societal and technological developments, will help put the EU on a trajectory to achieve zero pollution for air at the latest by 2050, in synergy with climate-neutrality efforts.

National and local authorities will determine the specific measures they will take to meet the standards. At the same time, existing and new EU policies in environment, energy, transport, agriculture, R&I, and other fields will make a significant contribution.

The revision will ensure that people suffering from health damages due to air pollution have the right to be compensated in the case of a violation of EU air quality rules. It will also bring more clarity on access to justice, effective penalties, and better public information on air quality.

It will support local authorities by strengthening the provisions on air quality monitoring and modelling, and help improve air quality plans. The improved rules on air quality monitoring and modeling will make it possible to check more closely compliance with standards and support more efficient and effective action to prevent and address breaches of standards.

The revised Directive will also ensure early action to achieve cleaner air. If air pollution levels are higher than the new 2030 standards over the coming years, Member States need to analyze whether they are on track to comply with the legislation in time, and, if needed, take measures and ensure compliance in 2030. Under specific circumstances, Member States may get more time to achieve the new standards. Justifications for such time extensions must be based on sound analysis. Member States will need to take appropriate measures to ensure they respect air quality standards as soon as possible.