Overview
Clean air is essential to our health and to the environment. However, due to human activities that cause pollution, air quality has deteriorated considerably. These activities are notably linked to industry, energy production, domestic heating, agriculture and transport.
Air pollution is the EU's number one environmental health problem. It causes serious illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular problems and lung cancer, and vulnerable groups are affected the most. Air pollution also damages the environment and ecosystems through excess nitrogen pollution, acid rains and ground-level ozone. It is also costly for our economy, as it leads to lost working days and high healthcare costs.
To tackle air pollution and achieve the EU’s zero pollution vision for 2050, the EU has a comprehensive clean air policy based on three pillars: ambient air quality standards, reducing emissions from key sources, and emissions standards for key sources of pollution.
Objectives
The EU aims to improve air quality to protect human health and the environment. More specifically, EU policies aim to:
- Reduce the number of premature deaths and sicknesses caused by air pollution
- Reduce pollution pressure on ecosystems and biodiversity
Policies
The EU has established ambient air quality standards to be achieved by all EU countries.
EU rules set national reduction commitments for five main air pollutants.
EU cooperation with strategic partners to tackle transboundary air pollution.
EU laws regulating emissions of air pollutants from various sources.
Tools and instruments
Bilateral discussions between EU countries and the Commission on how to achieve cleaner air.
An EEA tool allowing users to check short-term air pollution levels where they live.
The major clean air policy event, taking place every two years in different locations in the EU.
Reports analysing the prospects for reducing air pollution in the EU by 2030 and beyond.
Financial support for EU countries to implement clean air related policy.
The EU’s zero pollution ambition was set out in the European Green Deal to protect Europe’s citizens and ecosystems.
Detailed data on air pollution in the EU is available on the EEA’s website.
Information on support provided by JRC on improving air quality.
CAMS monitors and forecasts European air quality and worldwide long-range transport of pollutants.
Contact
For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact Europe Direct.
