Several EU Member States to miss 2010 air pollutant targets

05 Dec 2007

A number of EU Member States are likely to miss legally-binding 2010 emission targets for four important air pollutants, according to the 'NEC Directive status report 2006' from the EEA. The report is based on the latest data officially reported by Member States under the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive).

The NEC Directive requires all Member States to report information concerning air emissions for four pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and ammonia (NH₃). These pollutants can harm human health and the environment.

The most recent data shows that only 11 Member States presently expect to meet their respective national ceilings defined in the Directive. Thirteen Member States project to miss ceilings for at least one of the four pollutants if additional actions to reduce emissions are not taken.

Seven of the thirteen countries are considering implementing 'additional' actions in order to meet the 2010 targets. The ceiling for NO_x appears to be the most challenging for countries to meet, with 11 Member States indicating that, without taking additional measures, they will not reach their ceilings by 2010.