Directive objectives for a toxic-free environment by 2050
The Directive sets the ambitious goal of creating an environment free of toxic substances by 2050, progressively improving air quality within the European Union. This implies a substantial reduction of the most harmful pollutantssuch as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), known for their negative effects on human health and the environment. According to available data, approx 300 thousand premature deaths per year in Europe are caused by air pollution, making the implementation of effective measures urgent.
The new legislation establishes limit values And target values for air pollutants, accompanied by obligations to reduce average exposure, average exposure concentration targets And alarm and information thresholds. These parameters, specified in theannex I of the Directive, will be reviewed periodically, in accordance with thearticle 3to align with the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Stronger air quality standards by 2030
The Directive sets a key target for 2030, the year by which EU member states will have to adapt to new air quality standards. Parameters for pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, NO₂ and SO₂ have been strengthened to significantly reduce the exposure of populations and ecosystems to toxic substances. However, Member States can request an extension of the deadline of 2030, provided that certain specific conditions are respected.
These limits not only aim to improve human health, but also help protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems, in line with the objectives set byEighth environmental action program of the European Union. This program underlines the need to integrate air quality policies with other environmental policies, in order to strengthen synergies between the various areas of intervention.
Monitoring, periodic review and synergies with other policies
To ensure compliance with these new standards, the Directive provides for the use of monitoring methods common at European level and homogeneous criteria for assessing air quality. Improvements in monitoring and modeling systems will enable a more accurate assessment of the air in all regions of the EU, helping to identify problem areas and take early action.
In case of risk of failure to achieve the targets by 2030, Member States will have to develop roadmaps for air quality, with specific corrective actions. Furthermore, air quality standards will be subject to periodic reviews based on the most recent scientific evidence, with reviews every five years.
Access to justice and right to compensation
The Directive also establishes clear rights for EU citizens, ensuring they can obtain compensation in case their health is damaged by failure to comply with air quality regulations. Member States must ensure a fair and equitable access to justice for all people who suffer damage or who could be affected by violations of the established rules. This legal protection offers citizens a further tool to defend themselves from possible failures by the competent authorities.
Air quality directive: publication and implementation
The next step involves the publication of the Directive in the Official Journal of the European Union, after which it will come into force twenty days after publication.
Member States will have two years to transpose the Directive in their national legislation. The European Commission will review air quality standards by 2030 and thereafter every five yearsensuring they remain aligned with the latest scientific findings and WHO recommendations.
