Luftkvalitetsdirektiv

Luftkvalitetsdirektiv, known in English as the Air Quality Directive, is an EU directive that coordinates rules for ambient air quality across member states. Its aim is to protect human health and the environment by setting limit and target values for key air pollutants and by establishing requirements for monitoring, assessment, reporting, and public information. The directive is a central element of the EU’s air quality policy and is periodically updated to reflect scientific developments.

Scope and pollutants: The directive applies to ambient air in zones and agglomerations within EU member states and covers pollutants including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and lead. It defines limit values, shorter-term exposure limits, and long-term targets, along with requirements for monitoring networks, data collection, and the designation of zones and agglomerations. The instrument also requires action in areas where values exceed permitted levels.

Member state obligations: Each member state must monitor ambient air and assess quality against the directive’s values, designate zones and agglomerations, establish and maintain monitoring stations, and publish public information on air quality. In areas that do not meet the values, authorities must develop and implement action plans and work toward compliance within specified deadlines. States report periodically to the European Commission and provide access to air quality data for the public.

Implementation and impact: The directive is transposed into national law by each member state. The European Commission oversees compliance and can initiate infringement procedures if necessary. It interacts with related EU instruments, including cross-border pollution provisions and subsequent amendments that tighten limits and incorporate additional pollutants. In practice, the Luftkvalitetsdirektiv serves as the core framework for EU air quality policy and for national air quality planning and reporting.