The 2025 update of the EEA’s status of air quality series is underpinned by two reports whose key authors are from 4sfera. The two reports from the EEA’s European Topic Centre on Health and Environment are the Status report of air quality in Europe for year 2024, using validated and up-to-date data (ETC-HE, 2025/1) and the Status report of air quality in Europe for year 2023, using validated data (ETC-HE, 2025/2). These mark a significant step forward in tracking progress towards the new, stricter air quality standards set by the revised EU Air Quality Directive (2024/2881), which must be met by 2030.
The EEA confirms that air quality in Europe is steadily improving, with most monitoring stations now meeting the current EU annual limit values for key pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Specifically, 98% of stations met the EU limit for NO2 and 99% for PM2.5 in 2023.
The new EU directive, adopted in 2024, brings tighter air quality standards, aligning more closely with World Health Organisation (WHO) health-based guideline values. This shift represents a major challenge for cities, where pollution levels are still often above both WHO guidelines and the upcoming 2030 EU thresholds.
| Pollutant | Current EU Limit (Annual Avg.) | 2030 EU Limit | WHO Guideline |
| NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) | 40 µg/m³ | 20 µg/m³ | 10 µg/m³ |
| PM10 (Particulate Matter <10 µm) | 40 µg/m³ | 20 µg/m³ | 15 µg/m³ |
| PM2.5 (Particulate Matter <2.5 µm) | 25 µg/m³ | 10 µg/m³ | 5 µg/m³ |
While the current values are largely being met, most urban populations (94%) remain exposed to PM2.5 levels above the WHO recommended threshold, which continues to pose serious health risks including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The report includes a “distance-to-target” analysis, comparing current pollution levels to the 2030 goals. The findings show that:
- Over 70% of stations already comply with the 2030 NO2 standard.
- Fewer stations meet the future PM2.5 standard, indicating more work is needed, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
- PM10 also remains a concern with many locations still exceeding future thresholds.
To fully comply with the values from Directive 2024/2881 by 2030, additional policies and local actions will be required, especially in cities. The report stresses that while progress is notable, achieving the health-based air quality standards will demand stronger efforts in reducing emissions from transport, industry, and domestic heating.