NEC Directive status report 2009

This report documents the most recent emissions and projections information requested under the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) by the end of 2009. The directive requires all 27 Member States of the European Union to report information annually concerning emissions and projections for four main air pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and ammonia (NH₃). These pollutants harm both human health and the environment by contributing to formation of ozone and particulate matter and by causing acidification and eutrophication. To help protect human health and the environment, the NECD sets pollutant‑specific and legally binding emission ceilings for each of these pollutants and for each country, which must be met by 2010 and thereafter.