EU Member State's policies in the fight against air pollution

Report shows that the majority of air pollution policies in 2022 and 2023 have targeted NOx emissions, but there is also more focus on PM2.5 and ammonia compared to previously.

The Eionet report on air pollution policies and measures (PaMs) under the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NECD), was released in July, and provides a detailed analysis of how Member States are working to meet their emissions reduction commitments. The report covers the second reporting period (January 2022 - January 2024).

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were targeted by the majority of PaMs submitted during this period. NOx emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in urban areas where traffic and industrial activities are concentrated. The report highlights that regulatory and fiscal policy instruments are the most commonly selected measures for reducing NOx emissions, with a particular emphasis on energy consumption and transport sectors.
The report also notes a significant increase in the number of policies for which the effects have been quantified. This shift towards quantification helps in evidence-based policymaking and is useful for assessing the effectiveness of air pollution measures and ensuring the expected environmental benefits, while also allowing Member States to tailor their approach and adopt effective measures.

The report shows a decline in the number of policies addressing sulphur dioxide (SO2) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) emissions compared to the first reporting period. This likely reflects the progress made in reducing SO2 emissions, with the majority of Member States already meeting their emission reduction commitments for this pollutant. The focus on particulate matter (PM2.5), NOx, and ammonia (NH3) emissions has increased, indicating that these pollutants remain significant challenges for many Member States.

The Eionet report also highlights the diverse range of policies and measures being implemented across the EU. For example, some countries have introduced stringent regulations on industrial emissions, while others have focused on promoting cleaner transport options or improving energy efficiency. This diversity reflects the different environmental conditions and policy priorities across Member States, as well as the flexibility allowed under the NECD framework.

In terms of Member State participation, the report reveals that Romania reported for the first time in this period, while several other countries, including Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, and France, provided updates to their previous submissions. The report also notes that Cyprus and Luxembourg reported policies and measures that were already included in their previous submissions, indicating ongoing efforts to refine and expand existing initiatives.
Overall, the Eionet report underscores the importance of continued action and cooperation among Member States to achieve the EU's air quality goals. By sharing best practices and learning from each other's experiences, Member States can enhance their efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

References:interits, M. et al. Air pollution policies and measures under the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NECD), Update 2024 (Eionet Report – ETC HE 2024/2). European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment. 2024