EEA report national measures to cut air pollution would benefit from stronger links with climate action

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a briefing presenting an overview of the latest policies and measures reported by EU member states to tackle air pollution, as required under the National Emission reduction Commitments (NEC) Directive.

In key points from the briefing: 

• Policies and measures to reduce emissions of three important air pollutants, fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ammonia, focus predominantly on actions taken in the agricultural, transport and energy sectors. 
• One-third of national policies and measures to reduce emissions of air pollutants under the NEC Directive have links to national policies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions under the Monitoring Mechanism Regulation. 
• EU member states are more likely to report quantified emission reductions for those policies linked to greenhouse gas mitigation, and those selected for adoption at national level. 
• Promoting consistency in reporting policies and measures on air pollution, energy and climate change can reduce red tape, foster policy coherence, and support the identification of synergies.

Source: EEA, 10 December 2020