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Air quality: Context and indicators



Reghub: Call for participation






Projects


CoR RegHub Consultation on Air Quality Directives

 

This survey on air quality will provide information on the implementation at regional and local level of the EU Air quality policy. The information will be taken into account by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and by its Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) for future discussions and activities on this topic. The ENVE work programme for 2019 states:
Air Quality was included as a topic for the new Network of Regional Hubs for EU Policy Implementation Review (RegHub) - Pilot project. ENVE will assess potential connections with the ongoing fitness check of the Ambient Air Quality directives and the feasibility of an opinion on this topic.

Url
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/2019RegHubConsultationAirQuality



Clean Air and Air Quality

A Europe that protects: Clean air for all

Air quality has improved in the European Union (EU) over the last decades, thanks to joint efforts by the EU and the national, regional and local authorities. However, in most Member States, the quality of life of EU citizens remains hampered, as air quality standards are still not being met. The situation is especially severe in urban areas, where a majority of Europeans live. This Communication sets out wide-ranging policy efforts of the EU to support and facilitate the necessary measures of the Member States to meet their targets, and the enforcement action being taken to help ensure that the common objective of clean air for all Europeans is achieved and maintained across the EU.

Url (EN)

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0330&from=FR

Url (PT)

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0330&from=FR


Air Quality Zones

The maps reflect the air quality zones as reported for the year 2014 and the relevant stations that have reported data to the European Comission for years 2013 to 2014.

Url

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pdf/quality_by_country/PT_AirQualityZones_Current_opt.pdf


Clean Air Forum

Air pollution is the number one environmental cause of premature death in the European Union. The European Commission is committed to addressing these issues, and to cleaning up Europe’s air. The First European Clean Air Forum, organised by the European Commission and held in Paris on 16 and 17 November 2017, brought together a wide variety of stakeholders for a panoramic view of the current situation. This two-day event, which included the launch of the European Air Quality Index, showcased Europe’s ambitions and sought solutions to ongoing problems through structured dialogues, knowledge and information exchanges, and the sharing of good practices.

Year
2017 (Paris)
Year
2019 (28-29th November, Bratislava)
Url

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pdf/clean-air-forum-report-web-20180110.pdf


The Environmental Implementation Review (EIR)

Delivering the benefits of EU environmental policies through a regular Environmental Implementation Review

The EIR is a tool to improve implementation of EU environmental law and policy. It aims to address the causes of implementation gaps and try to find solutions before problems become urgent. The EIR is a two-yearly cycle of analysis, dialogue and collaboration, with publication of country reports and discussions between the European Commission, EU Member States and stakeholders.

Url

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52016DC0316&from=EN


Policy findings and country reports

The European Commission published on 5 April 2019 the second Environment Implementation Review (EIR), an overview of how EU environmental policies and laws are applied on the ground. In the following map you can find the country reports and factsheets in English and in the official languages of the EU Members States.

Year
2019
Url

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/eir/country-reports/index_en.htm


Environment Action Programme to 2020

 

European Union has put in place a broad range of environmental legislation. As a result, air, water and soil pollution has significantly been reduced. Today, EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world and over 18% of EU's territory has been designated as protected areas for nature. However, many challenges persist and these must be tackled together in a structured way.
The 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) will be guiding European environment policy until 2020. The objectives of this programme are: (1) to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital; (2) to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy; (3) 3to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing.

Year
2014
Url (PT)

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/factsheets/7eap/pt.pdf

Url (EN)

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pubs/pdf/factsheets/7eap/en.pdf




Legislation


Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

This directive establishes air quality objectives, including ambitious, cost-effective targets for improving human health and environmental quality up to 2020. It also specifies ways of assessing these and of taking any corrective action if the standards are not met. It provides for the public to be kept informed.

Year
2008
Url (EN)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008L0050-20150918&from=EN
Url (PT)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008L0050-20150918&from=EN



EU rules on national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants

Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants: National Emission Ceilings

This directive aims to reduce the health risks and environmental impact of air pollution by establishing national emission reduction commitments. It also aligns emission reduction commitments under EU law with international commitments.

Year
2013
Url (EN)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016L2284&from=EN
Url (PT)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016L2284&from=EN



The EU Water Framework Directive

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy

It sets out rules to halt deterioration in the status of European Union (EU) water bodies and achieve ‘good status’ for Europe's rivers, lakes and groundwater by 2015. Specifically, this includes: protecting all forms of water (surface, ground, inland and transitional); restoring the ecosystems in and around these bodies of water; reducing pollution in water bodies; guaranteeing sustainable water usage by individuals and businesses.

Year
2000
Url (EN)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:5c835afb-2ec6-4577-bdf8-756d3d694eeb.0004.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
Url (PT)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:5c835afb-2ec6-4577-bdf8-756d3d694eeb.0009.02/DOC_1&format=PDF



The Habitats Directive: Protecting Europe’s biodiversity (Natura 2000)

Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora

This directive seeks to contribute to ensuring biodiversity in the European Union by the conservation of: natural habitats, and wild fauna and flora species. And It also sets up the ‘Natura 2000’ network, the largest ecological network in the world. Natura 2000 comprises special areas of conservation designated by EU countries under this directive. Natura 2000 also includes the special protection areas classified under the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC).

Year
1992
Url (EN)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01992L0043-20130701&from=EN
Url (PT)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01992L0043-20130701&from=EN





Tools


European Air Quality Index

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, but how clean is the air you’re breathing right now? How does the air in your city compare with that of a neighbouring city or region? The European Environment Agency's European Air Quality Index allows users to understand more about air quality where they live and compare with that of a neighbouring city or region.

Year
2017
Url
https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/air-quality-index/index





Infographics


Sources of air pollution in Europe

Air pollution is not the same everywhere. Different pollutants are released into the atmosphere from a wide range of sources, including industry, transport, agriculture, management and households. Certain air pollutants are also released from natural source.

Year
2013
Url
https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/air-pollution-sources





Contacts

Adral

Rua Circular Intermédia nº 4 e nº 6
7005-513, Évora

P: (00351) 266 769 150

E: geral@adral.pt

W: www.adral.pt

IrRADIARE

(EU office)

Rue du Luxemburg, 3,
1000 Brussels (Nordic House)

E: valentina.russo@alentejo-brussels.eu

T: twitter.com/IrradiareO