Cleaner air for Europe

KEY POINTS

Objective and air quality standards

The directive updates and consolidates EU legislation on ambient air quality¹ by merging and replacing Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC (see summary). It sets stricter air quality standards based on the latest scientific evidence and introduces stronger planning, monitoring and enforcement measures to protect human health and the environment:

• it prescribes binding air quality standards for 13 pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, covering limit values², target values³, average exposure reduction obligations, average exposure concentration objectives, critical levels, alert and information thresholds and long-term objectives;
• it requires regular reviews of these standards, taking into account the latest scientific findings and the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines;
• it supports the EU’s zero-pollution ambition for air, contributing to environmental and biodiversity goals.

Responsibilities of Member States

Member States must designate authorities responsible for air quality management and the establishment of air quality zones within their territories:

• zones and average exposure territorial units are set up for monitoring and managing air quality;

• designated competent authorities are responsible for ensuring the continuous functioning of air monitoring networks and for preparing air quality plans and roadmaps in case of non-compliance or risk of non-attainment.

Assessment of ambient air quality

Member States must assess air quality for specified pollutants following set criteria and thresholds.

• Assessment of air quality relies on fixed measurements, modelling, indicative measurements or objective estimation, depending on the levels of air pollution in a given zone.
• Zones are classified based on their pollution levels to determine which assessment methods must be used. This classification is reviewed every five years, or sooner if significant changes occur.
• Specific provisions provide requirements for monitoring supersites, air pollution hotspots and pollutants of emerging concern (e.g. ultra-fine particles, black carbon, ammonia).
• Monitoring data must meet defined quality objectives and be based on EU or internationally recognised reference methods.

Stronger planning and compliance mechanisms

When standards are exceeded, Member States must adopt air quality plans and implement targeted measures to reduce pollutant levels within a fixed time frame.

• Air quality plans must be adopted within two years of detecting an exceedance and must achieve compliance as soon as possible, and no later than four years after the exceedance year.
• Plans and roadmaps must include quantified emission reductions, health impact information and public consultation, and be updated if exceedances persist.
• Air quality roadmaps must be prepared ahead of 2030 to achieve the stricter air quality standards that must be attained by that year. Postponement of this deadline is possible until 2040 in certain cases (e.g. adverse climate conditions or structural constraints), following a specific procedure including notification to the European Commission, implementation reports and updated roadmaps if needed.

Access to public information and participation

The directive strengthens the right of the public to be informed and involved in air quality management:

• it requires Member States to provide near-real-time information on key pollutants through an air quality index, including information regarding impacts on health, particularly for sensitive and vulnerable population groups;
• Member States also need to provide information on symptoms associated with air pollution peaks and how to reduce exposure;
• national systems must include public consultation on draft plans, including input from affected groups, civil society and healthcare professionals.

Coordination on transboundary air pollution

Member States must cooperate where cross-border pollution contributes to exceedances in another Member State. Affected Member States are required to notify each other and the Commission when transboundary pollution⁴ contributes to exceedances. They must then prepare coordinated air quality plans or short-term action plans, which include joint identification of pollution sources and mitigation measures. The directive also encourages cooperation with neighbouring non-EU countries, including EU candidate countries.

Access to justice, compensation and penalties

The directive sets out provisions on how people can challenge non-compliance and claim compensation, and on how penalties are applied when air quality rules are broken:

• it provides members of the public and non-governmental organisations with the legal standing to challenge key decisions and omissions relating to locations of monitoring stations or to air quality plans, roadmaps and short-term action plans;
• it requires fair, timely and affordable legal procedures, including injunctive relief where needed;
• it grants individuals the right to claim compensation from national authorities for health damage caused by breaches of obligations that were committed intentionally or negligently by the competent authorities;
• it mandates effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for infringements.

Repeal of previous directives

Directive (EU) 2024/2881 repeals and replaces Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC as of 12 December 2026.