EU’s objective of zero pollution by 2050:
European Council gives the green light to strengthen air quality standards

One step forward for clean air

On October 14, the Council of the European Union formally adopted a directive setting updated air quality standards across the EU. The new rules will contribute to the EU’s objective of zero pollution by 2050 and help prevent premature deaths due to air pollution. EU citizens can seek compensation for damage to their health in cases where EU air quality rules are not respected.

Strengthening air quality standards

The revised directive focuses on protecting the health of EU citizens by establishing new air quality standards for pollutants to be achieved by 2030. These standards are now more closely aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines and include particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, all known to cause respiratory problems.

Member states can request an extension of the 2030 deadline under specific conditions.

Air quality is assessed using standard methods and criteria across the EU. The revised directive further improves air quality monitoring and modeling. The directive will also promote proactive measures, requiring member states to prepare air quality roadmaps before 2030 if the new standards seem unlikely to be met. The air quality standards will undergo regular reviews based on the latest scientific evidence to ensure they remain appropriate.

The new directive ensures fair and equitable access to justice for those affected or likely to be affected by its implementation. Member states must ensure that citizens can claim and obtain compensation when their health has been damaged due to violating the directive’s air quality rules.

Next steps

The text will be published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force on the twentieth day following publication. Member states will have two years after the entry into force to transpose the directive into national law.

By 2030, the European Commission will review the air quality standards every five years based on the latest scientific evidence.