Environment ministers from the European Union convened in Luxembourg on Monday and officially approved stricter air pollution targets to be implemented starting in 2030, as reported by DPA and picked up by Agerpres..
Approximately 300,000 deaths annually in the European Union can be attributed to air pollution, which poses ‚the greatest environmental risk to health,‘ according to a statement from the EU Council.
The new limits pertain to PM10 and PM2. 5 particles (with diameters less than 10 and 2. 5 microns, respectively), as well as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which are known to cause respiratory issues.
European citizens will have the right to compensation if they fall ill due to violations of these limits, as indicated by the statement cited by DPA.
However, European states may request an extension of the 2030 deadline under certain conditions.National legislation to implement the stricter limits must be adopted within two years, and countries that fail to meet the targets could face penalties.
The new permissible maximum values for air pollution are based on the agreement reached earlier this year in February between representatives of the European Parliament and the member states.
These regulations are set to guide the European Commission’s action plan for the complete elimination of pollutants from air, water, and soil by 2050.
