The European Commission is increasing pressure after it became clear over many years that some countries have not reduced their emissions of harmful substances. For several EU countries, these are not minor deviations but years-long exceedances of legal standards for air quality and emissions.
Among others, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Portugal, and Sweden continue to lag behind in their obligations to reduce polluting substances. Poland has also been struggling for more than ten years with excessive nitrogen dioxide levels in two areas, despite clear European limits.
According to the Commission, national governments have taken insufficient measures to reduce emissions quickly enough. It no longer stops at warnings: Brussels is now referring the countries involved to the EU Court, the toughest step in a long-running infringement procedure.
The pollution is not just on paper — in several regions there have been concentrations of harmful substances in the air for many years that may affect public health. These risks will not disappear on their own, and according to the Commission, countries have postponed their responsibilities for too long.
The rules at issue are not new. European legislation has long required EU countries to reduce emissions of harmful substances and to meet minimum air quality criteria. This also includes that countries convert these rules into national legislation in a timely manner — something that has not happened everywhere.
By proceeding to the Court, the Commission makes clear that delays are no longer accepted. It is expected that the legal pressure will eventually force EU countries to strengthen their policies so that emissions decline and air quality improves.