According to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) monitoring report released today, most EU Member States are on track to meet their 2020-2029 national emission reduction targets for key air pollutants. However, reducing ammonia emissions remains a significant challenge. The EEA has also updated its city air quality ranking, focusing on long-term exposure to air pollution.
The EEA assessment shows that in 2024, 21 Member States met their reduction commitments for the five main air pollutants under the EU’s National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NECD). These pollutants include ammonia (NH3), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOX), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Six Member States did not meet commitments for at least one pollutant.
Reducing ammonia emissions, primarily from agriculture, remains the main challenge: four Member States need to reduce their emissions further to meet their 2020-2029 reduction commitments.
The most significant progress has been made in reducing sulphur dioxide emissions, with 25 Member States having already achieved the more stringent 2030 reduction commitments.
Meeting the stricter emission reduction commitments for 2030 and beyond will require substantial effort in most Member States, especially for ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter.