The new EU directive aimed at enhancing air quality standards has been published in the EU’s Official Journal (Directive 2024/2881), marking its formal adoption into EU law. This significant milestone reinforces the EU’s commitment to reducing air pollution and advancing its zero pollution objective by 2050.
Strengthened Air Quality Standards in Force
The directive sets stricter limits for key pollutants, including:
- Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
These measures aim to prevent premature deaths and improve the overall health of EU citizens, aligning EU air quality standards more closely with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines. To achieve these targets, member states must implement updated air quality roadmaps and adopt common monitoring and assessment criteria.
The directive also introduces provisions for regular reviews of air quality standards based on the latest scientific evidence, ensuring their long-term relevance and efficacy.
Access to Justice and Citizen Empowerment
Citizens now have enhanced legal rights under the directive. Member states must provide mechanisms to allow individuals to claim compensation for health damage resulting from violations of air quality standards. This provision underscores the directive’s focus on accountability and fairness.
Implementation Timeline
- Enforcement: The directive comes into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
- Transposition: Member states have two years to integrate the directive into their national laws.
- Review Schedule: The European Commission will conduct the first review of the standards by 2030, with subsequent reviews every five years.
A Step Towards Cleaner Air for Europe
This new directive is a major stride in addressing Europe’s most significant environmental health risk. Air pollution currently contributes to approximately 300,000 premature deaths annually, highlighting the urgency of these measures. By consolidating and simplifying existing air quality rules, the directive provides a robust legal framework to improve public health and environmental sustainability.
As implementation begins, the directive represents a critical tool in the EU’s broader zero pollution action plan, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier future for all Europeans.
Directive 2024/2881. Directive (EU) 2024/2881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (recast). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202402881