Since the 1980s, the EU has adopted strict policies regarding air quality. The EU Air Quality Directives set air quality standards for 12 air pollutants. These directives also define common methods for monitoring, assessing and informing the public about air quality in the EU. The European Commission has proposed a revised version of the European Air Quality and Clean Air Directive, with the main goal of bringing EU standards closer to the WHO recommendations.
To track progress towards these targets, a network of over 4,000 air quality monitoring stations produces reliable, objective and comparable air quality information. If levels exceed limits or targets, Member States are required to prepare air quality plans or programmes to address the contributing sources and ensure compliance.
The Zero Pollution Action Plan also sets the goal of improving air quality, with a focus on PM2.5, by 2030 and reducing the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution in the EU by at least 55% compared to 2005.
The National Emission Reduction Obligations Directive sets out national emission reduction obligations for Member States and the EU for five key air pollutants: nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These pollutants contribute to poor air quality and have significant adverse effects on human health and the environment.
The EEA supports these policies through data, indicators and evaluations, such as its Annual Air Quality Report and Zero Pollution Monitoring Assessment.
