Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Didier Bourguignon (6th edition)

Despite significant progress in recent decades, air pollution levels in the European Union still have adverse impacts on the environment and on health. The European Commission estimates that health-related costs of air pollution in the EU range from 390 to 940 billion euros per year.

The proposed directive, which would replace the current National Emission Ceilings Directive, sets binding national reduction objectives for six air pollutants (SO₂, NO_x, NMVOCs, NH3, PM_2.5 and CH₄) to be met by 2020 and 2030. It will also implement the Gothenburg Protocol as amended in 2012. The European Commission estimates that implementation costs would range from 2.2 to 3.3 billion euros per year.

After completion of the legislative procedure at first reading in the European Parliament and the Council, the presidents of the co-legislators signed the final act on 14 December 2016. Member States are required to transpose the new directive into national law by 1 July 2018.

Versions

• January 2017: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (6th edition)
• October 2016: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (5th edition)
• November 2015: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (4th edition)
• September 2015: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (3rd edition)
• May 2015: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (2nd edition)
• March 2015: Reducing air pollution: National emission ceilings for air pollutants (1st edition)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GDP, population and pollution index in the EU, 1990 = 100% (1990-2012)

Percentage of the urban population in the EU28 exposed to air pollutant concentrations above EU and WHO reference levels (2010-12)

Sources of selected air pollutants in EU28, in thousand tonnes (2003-12)

Estimated cost of air pollution as % of GDP (2010)

Proposed reduction targets in EU28, compared to 2005