08/12/2016 (Agence Europe) – The EU directive establishing new emission level ceilings for certain air pollutants in member states (revision of the so-called NEC directive 2003/235/EC) has formally been adopted. The adoption of the text by the Council was obtained without debate on Thursday 8 December. This key directive in the “Pure Air in Europe” package was presented by the Commission in December 2013 and seeks to reduce the number of premature deaths every year linked to air pollution by half by 2030. The new indicative levels apply to five pollutants (sulphur dioxide, nitric oxide, non-methane volatile compounds, ammonia and fine particles of less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (see EUROPE 11674, 11586). Indicative emission levels for 2025 will be identified for each member state. They will be determined on the basis of a linear trajectory towards the emission limits that will apply from 2030. However, member states will have the possibility to follow a non-linear trajectory if this is more efficient. Entry into force is planned for 31 December 2016. (AN)