The European directives setting standards for ambient air quality (96/62, 1999/30, 80/779, 85/203 and 2008/50/EC) pursue a general objective of protecting health and the environment and do not, as such, confer individual rights on individuals where violation could entitle them to compensation. However, they may refer the matter to the national courts to require the authorities to adopt the measures necessary to comply with the obligations arising from the same directives.
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