From 2030, stricter limit values for air pollution will apply in the EU. The directive sets stricter limits and targets for several pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone. In some cases, the new values do not have to be achieved until 2040.
Under a new directive, EU countries have until early 2029 to apply for an extension of the deadline until 2035 if they cannot meet the set targets on time.
Detailed timetables required by 2028
Under certain circumstances, such as climatic conditions or a significant impact on the heating system, this deadline could even be extended until 2040. The EU Parliament has also enforced that countries must submit detailed roadmaps by the end of 2028 on the measures they will take to achieve objectives.
Graph: greenhouse gas emissions in Austria
This new directive aims to align EU regulations with the current air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes stricter annual limits for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). In particular, the limit for PM2.5 should be reduced from 25 μg/m3 to 10 μg/m3 and the limit for NO2 should be reduced from 40 μg/m3 to 20 μg/m3.
High particulate matter pollution in Austria
In Austria, the new limit values for particulate matter are regularly exceeded, according to data from the Federal Environment Agency. An analysis by the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ) last November showed that the target values would be exceeded at all measuring points in Austria in 2022, as well as at 75 percent of nitrogen dioxide measuring points.
Renegotiations possible
After the agreement was reached on Tuesday evening, the compromise still needs to be formally approved by the Council of EU countries and the EU Parliament. Although this is usually considered a formality, time and again recently, EU countries have subsequently questioned the compromise already reached and called for renegotiations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
