15/10/24 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 14 October, the Council of the European Union formally adopted a directive establishing updated air quality standards (see EUROPE 13355/9) throughout the EU. The revision should contribute to the objective of eliminating air pollution by 2050. The directive sets new air quality standards for pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, etc.) to be achieved by 2030. Closer to the limit values defined by WHO recommendations (see EUROPE 13335/15, 13051/1), these standards are designed to curb air pollution, which causes 300,000 premature deaths a year. Member States will have two years after entry into force - twenty days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU - to transpose the directive into national law. The legislation does, however, give Member States some flexibility by allowing them a number of deferral options. (FS)