Brussels, 19/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - A further step was taken against Sweden in infringement procedure on Thursday 18 June over poor air quality.
Sweden has been sent a 'reasoned opinion' (the second stage in the infringement proceedings) for its persistent flouting of the upper EU limits for fine particulates (PM10) in EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and pure air in Europe.
The latest figures show maximum daily limits for these particles being exceeded in two zones - Middle Sweden (the agglomerations of Norrköping, Södertälje and Uppsala, except for 2012) and the Stockholm agglomeration.
The upper limit of 40 micrograms/m3 of air in the annual concentration and 50 micrograms/m3 for daily concentration came into force in 2005 and must not be exceeded more than thirty-five times a year. This is important for public health because these fine particulates emitted by industry, road traffic and domestic heating can cause asthma, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and premature death.
The Commission accuses Sweden of failing to take measures despite several reminders. It was found guilty of breaking the particulate rules from 2005 to 2008 and has not yet introduced the rapid, ambitious and effective measures that should have been in application since 2005 in order to reduce the period of failing to comply with the particulate caps to as short a period as possible, as required by the directive in such cases. It was sent an additional warning letter in 2013. Sweden now has two months in which to comply, failing which it may be sent to the European Court of Justice. Belgium and Bulgaria were recently sent to the Court of Justice over air quality (see EUROPE 11338). (Aminata Niang)