Brussels, 21/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Parliament approved, in Brussels, the joint text that resulted from conciliation procedure with the Council (see EUROPE of 5 July, p.15), on two legislative texts essential for improving air quality in the Union (see EUROPE of 5 July, p;15). The texts concern directives fixing national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds and ammoniac) and the amended directive aimed at further reducing emissions of certain pollutants from large combustion plants (nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and particles). The formal adoption of these two directives that, although separate, are closely linked in their objective - to fight against acidification, eutrophication of ecosystems and the formation of tropospheric ozone - will come very soon. It simply requires the Council, in its turn, to confirm the agreement reached, in third reading. This formality will take place, without debate, during a forthcoming Council session, probably on 27 September (during the Internal Market/Consumers/Tourism Council). The directives may then be published in the Official Journal.