EULuftqualitätsrichtlinien

EU air quality refers to the ambient concentration of pollutants within the European Union and the policies and monitoring systems designed to protect public health and the environment. The framework is primarily established by the Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) and related legislation, which set limit values and target values for key pollutants, prescribe monitoring methods, and require member states to assess and report air quality. The directive covers pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). It also encourages actions to reduce emissions from transport, industry, power generation, and agriculture to meet the standards.

Air quality is monitored by national networks and compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The EEA publishes regular assessments, including the annual Air quality in Europe report and interactive data portals that show concentrations and exceedances across the EU. Local and regional authorities often translate EU standards into public information tools such as air quality indexes to communicate daily conditions.

Policy aims focus on reducing exposure, preventing health effects, and improving environmental quality. Exceedances of limit values can trigger national and regional actions and, in some cases, infringement procedures under EU law. Long-term exposure to polluted air is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among children and the elderly. The EU continues to tighten standards and integrate air quality improvements into broader initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Clean Air for Europe program.