Air pollution continues to be the number one environmental cause of early death in the EU, with estimates of over 400 000 premature deaths per year. Public awareness of air pollution is high and citizens expect the authorities to act. In this context, we would welcome answers from the Commission to the following questions:

1.  Currently, Member States can be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union, but this is often a lengthy process. What measures will the Commission take to speed up infringement proceedings against Member States?

2.  Does the Commission believe that the Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) is fit for purpose? The Commission launched a fitness check of the AAQD in 2017, with the results scheduled for the end of 2019. Will an update be proposed if the results of the fitness check are deemed unsatisfactory?

3.  As far as the details of the programmes under the multiannual financial framework (MFF) are concerned, how will the Commission address the needs of regional and local authorities to access funding, in order for them to have greater opportunities to reduce emissions from transport?

4.  What measures will the Commission and its Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) incorporate into the next common agricultural policy (CAP) reform to encourage farmers to reduce emissions, in particular, of ammonia?

5.  Does the Commission intend to study the potential toxicity of black carbon, both on its own and as a component of urban air fine and ultrafine particles? How will the Commission address the increasing concerns about the impact of PM1 and ultrafine particles on human health? Does the Commission envisage carrying out exposure studies in relation to such emerging pollution concerns?

Tabled: 3.12.2018

Forwarded: 5.12.2018

Deadline for reply: 12.12.2018