Considerations on the Revision of the Air Quality Directive 2008/50 EU | Umweltbundesamt

In preparation for the upcoming revision the German Environment Agency (⁠UBA⁠) from a scientific point of view has assessed the possibility to meet the proposed ⁠WHO⁠ Guidelines Levels, the applicability of improved chemical transport models and advanced monitoring methods for air quality assessment as well as concepts for a better protection of ecosystems from air pollutants. In the following we propose criteria for binding and non-binding air quality standards as well as a monitoring strategy beyond compliance checking. The considerations are based on the German situation but may be extrapolated to many other European Member States.