Brussels, 28/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - Fine particulate matter emitted by the different modes of transport, the main stumbling block for a successful EU air quality policy, are in the European Commission's sights, with review of the legislative framework providing an opportunity for this. Janez Potocnik, European Environment Commissioner, made this announcement on Tuesday 26 June at the European Parliament during the conference A Breath of Fresh Air, organised at the initiative of Air Quality of Regions.
In addition to air quality which took pride of place, the commissioner set out the broad lines of the review aimed at assessing progress made towards the goal of the 6th Environment Action Programme, namely that of: - achieving the levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment; - ensuring that EU air quality policy is updated in line with the best available knowledge in the field; - and identifying regulatory and non-regulatory options that could remedy defective implementation of existing policy.
Future air quality policy should be conducted at every level - European, national, regional and local. Janez Potocnik believes it is appropriate to tackle cross-border pollution at EU level in the context of the directive on national emissions ceilings, by tackling pollution at its source, especially when this relates to transport. “And I refer in particular to the urgency of the air quality problems that stem from the failure of Euro standards to reduce NOx emissions from diesel cars. This urgency needs to be better reflected also by member states in the coming transport discussions, where the Euro 6 will be addressed”, the commissioner said. To achieve this, he is working in close cooperation with his colleague for transport.
At the same time, Potocnik went on to say, it will be necessary to continue combating other sources of emissions. “The recent adoption of the directive on lower sulphur limits in marine fuels is an important step, together with the agreement on an updated Gothenburg Protocol on transboundary air pollution, which extends beyond EU borders and will be translated in national and local actions”, the commissioner added.
The preparation of new legislative proposals will complete the provision. “The Commission is considering new standards in the Ecodesign directive that could help cut overall particle emissions by 70% by 2030, thereby cutting overall emissions of primary PM 2,5 by some 15-20%”, Potocnik said.
In addition to these priorities, the commissioner underlined how important air quality is for the regions which, because they account for 20% of the EU's population, means that “over 15 million citizens in your regions are exposed to air pollution concentrations that are above the standards established on the basis of the recommendations of the World Health Organisation”. Hence the importance of reinforcing the effectiveness of national and local measures. Turning to the representatives of the regions, Potocnik said: “We look to you to ensure that your air quality priorities at regional level are properly reflected in the national positions taken on these important initiatives”.
The Commission has begun preparatory work on review of the EU's legislative framework on air quality, and consultation with all stakeholders is underway. (AN/transl.jl)