Air quality: Commission refers PORTUGAL to the Court of Justice of the European Union for high levels of nitrogen dioxide

Today, the Commission has decided to refer Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union over poor air quality caused by high levels of nitrogen dioxide. When the limit values set by the EU's ambient air quality legislation are exceeded (Directive 2008/50/EC), Member States are required to adopt air quality plans to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to keep the duration of the exceedance period as short as possible.

The European Green Deal and the Zero Pollution Action Plan emphasise the importance of cutting air pollution, which is among the key factors negatively affecting human health. Full implementation of the air quality standards enshrined in EU legislation is key to effectively protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.