EU Adopts Stricter Air Pollution Limits by 2030

On 24th April 2024, the European Parliament enacted more stringent air pollution regulations, aligning with the WHO's guidelines to curb pollution-related deaths and improve air quality.

Key Points

Tightened Regulations: The European Parliament passed legally-binding air pollution limits to be implemented by 2030, aiming to address the significant public health risks posed by poor air quality.
WHO Guidelines Influence: Last year, the WHO revised its air quality standards, prompting the EU to adopt stricter measures to promote clean energy and mitigate health risks associated with air pollution.
Impact on Public Health: Air pollution claims 300,000 premature lives annually in Europe.
Legal Action Against Violators: The EU has taken legal action against over 10 countries for breaching air quality limits, including France, Poland, Italy, and Romania, as ruled by the European Court of Justice.
Enhanced Regulations: The new regulations establish stricter limits and target values for pollutants affecting human health, fostering clearer and comparable air quality indices across EU member states.
Legal Remedies for Citizens: Citizens affected by air pollution violations will have recourse to legal action, with provisions for compensation if their health suffers as a result.
Legislative Approval Process The law secured a majority vote in the European Parliament, but it still requires approval from EU countries to become enforceable, typically a procedural formality.