Safeguarding compliance with air quality legislation

19.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009636-16
to the Council
Rule 130
Anneli Jäätteenmäki (ALDE)

In most EU Member States, air quality falls below both EU and WHO recommendations. Particulate matter, particularly in large towns, and ground-level ozone are still causing serious health problems.

Ozone, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are damaging ecosystems and impairing the health of agricultural land and forests in various parts of Europe.

In recent years, the Commission has brought proceedings for infringement of air quality legislation against a majority of Member States.

Diesel cars have benefited from tax breaks in many Member States for a number of years. According to the European Parliament’s committee of inquiry set up as a result of the diesel emissions scandal, national authorities have signally failed to monitor the legislation. Real emissions from diesel vehicles have diverged considerably from legal standards.

How will the Council ensure that the EU meets its own targets and protects air quality, so that the impairment of our living environment and damage to ecosystems is halted and the situation improves?