How are member states ensuring that EU standards are respected?
The directive defines minimum requirements for air quality assessments – through monitoring and modelling – that provide a good indication of air quality concentrations throughout member states’ territories. When thresholds are exceeded, member states are expected to act. The selection of measures to use is the prerogative of member states. They usually contain a mix of national emission reduction strategies plus regional and local measures tailored for specific local conditions. Transport and domestic heating are often addressed in urban areas. In order to be effective, the measures need to be timely, integrated, well developed and properly implemented. They are bundled within “air quality plans” that require public participation when developed.
