Europeans call for stronger EU air quality policy

A majority of Europeans believe that air quality has deteriorated in the last ten years. In Italy, as many as 81 % hold this view, and in Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Spain, 70-75 % believe that this is the case, according to the latest Eurobarometer called Attitudes of Europeans towards Air Quality.

Almost four out of five believe that the EU should propose additional measures to address air pollution, such as strengthening of EU air quality standards and national emission ceilings. Emissions from vehicles (96 %), industry (92 %) and international transport (86 %) are considered to have the biggest influence on air pollution.

The survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction with actions currently being taken to address air quality problems, with seven out of ten considering themselves unhappy with efforts by public authorities to improve air quality. Almost nine out of ten believe that air quality-related diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are a serious problem. Around eight out of ten consider acidification and eutrophication as serious problems.

The results will feed into the on-going review of EU air policy.

Source: European Commission press release.