Today, the EU formally adopted the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), marking a significant milestone in Europe’s efforts to improve air quality. While the revision has been long in the making, today’s formal adoption is the final step before its publication in the EU's Official Journal, after which it will officially come into force. With this directive, the EU sets a global benchmark for air quality regulations and advances efforts to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines by 2030.

At Palas GmbH, we recognize the critical importance of this development for public health and environmental protection. The revised AAQD establishes binding limits and targets for major pollutants, particularly for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), with significantly stricter standards to be achieved by 2030. Other pollutants, like ultrafine particles (UFP) and black carbon (BC), now also become mandatory to measure. Importantly, the first assessment to check whether member states are on the right track to comply with these limits will take place by 2028. This makes it clear that infrastructure and clean air plans must be defined and built as soon as possible—now—in order to be ready for the 2028 “stress test.”

The directive requires EU member states to transpose the legislation into national law within two years. At Palas GmbH, we are fully prepared to support governments and industries in meeting these ambitious goals. Our advanced air quality monitoring and measurement solutions are designed to meet the new, more stringent standards, ensuring compliance and providing the accurate data necessary to take timely action if thresholds are exceeded. With lower limits becoming due, precise measurements are becoming even more important.

In addition to setting stricter limits, the revised AAQD also strengthens monitoring requirements and introduces provisions for citizens to seek compensation if their health is harmed by air pollution. This increases the pressure on both industries and governments to take swift and effective measures to meet the new air quality standards.

The directive will be a key focus at the upcoming Air Quality Forum. Experts from industry, science, and policy will explore the implications of this landmark legislation and the technological innovations required to meet the 2030 targets.

Visit our website to learn more about our innovative solutions and the Air Quality Forum.