Strategic Issues - European Union

摘要

Following a comprehensive review of existing EU air policy that began in 2011 and extensive consultation finding broad support for EU-wide action, the Commission has produced a new clean air policy package to update existing legislation with the aim of further reducing emissions. While EU air quality policy has brought about significant reductions in concentrations of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and benzene, major problems remain. Many EU Member States still fall short of agreed EU air quality standards, and the air pollution guidelines of the UN World Health Organization are generally not being met. Fine particulates and ozone, in particular, continue to present significant health risks and safe limits for health are regularly exceeded.