Topics of Interest

EU directive on Air Quality

In September 2005, the European Commisison adopted a proposal for a new directive on Air Quality. As such a directive proposal is subject to the co-decision procedure, it will only enter into force when adopted by both the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.
The directive proposal has now been submitted to the European Parliament to commence the Second Reading.

 ERS position paper for the second reading of the proposed EU directive on air quality

ERS response to IPPC Internet Consultation

Industrial activities in the EU give rise to significant pollution. They contribute about 55% of the EU's total emissions of CO2, 88% of SO2, 36% of NOX and 50% of dust emissions. Although overall industrial pollution has been reduced in recent years, emissions of some substances remain high and additional cuts are necessary if key environmental and health objectives are to be achieved. In particular, these include the objectives set in the context of EU Climate Change policy and in the EU's Thematic Strategies on air, waste and soil.

The current EU legal framework on industrial emissions comprises the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive and the so-called "Sectoral Directives" on large combustion plants, waste incineration, solvent emissions and titanium dioxide.

In the context of the process of evaluating and reviewing the IPPC Directive, the Commission is analysing the potential for improving the current EU legislation on industrial emissions. This questionnaire seeks your views on actions which could be taken at EU level to ensure a high level of environmental protection through the prevention and control of industrial emissions. The replies will be used as input to the process of reviewing the legislation during 2007.


The Environment and Health Committee of the ERS has responded to an online consultation of the European Commission on the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive.
 ERS response

Declaration on Air Quality

The European Commission published a proposal for a new Directive on air quality in September 2005. The proposal will revise and summarise legislation already in force.

In a joint statement agreed at international scientific meetings in Paris and Munich, Europe's leading air pollution scientists and respiratory doctors urged the European Union institutions to take account of the latest scientific evidence available in their negotiations on EU air pollution legislation and to do more to protect public health. Experts believe that while the Directive could provide a unique opportunity to improve health and reduce related healthcare costs, the current general approach fails to prioritise public health.

 Declaration on Air Quality

ERS position paper on Air Quality

In September 2005, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a thematic strategy on ambient air quality, as well as a legal instrument - a proposal for a Directive - which will support the implementation of the strategy. The proposed directive merges the existing framework directive and four other legislative instruments, including three of the four daughter directives and a Council decision.

In response to the Commission proposal, the ERS Committee on Environment and Health reviewed the scientific evidence available on PM2.5 and drafted a position paper with comments on the proposed Directive. While welcoming the Commission initiative, the ERS noted that the Directive does not adequately reflect the best scientific evidence available, and it is unclear how this Directive will help to achieve the objectives of reducing the health impacts of air pollution in Europe.

 Read the ERS position paper

 Read the Commission proposal for a Directive on air quality