Alina Oprea • 6 June, 2023 at 9:30 AM
The European Commission calls on Romania to establish a functional air quality monitoring network. The European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania for systemically failing to monitor air pollution as required by EU legislation on ambient air quality (Directive 2004/107/EC and Directive 2008/50/EC). These Directives require Member States to set up a monitoring network to assess ambient air quality with respect to the various pollutants in line with the requirements provided therein.
Full implementation of the air quality standards enshrined in EU legislation is key to protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment effectively. The European Green Deal, with its Zero Pollution ambition, puts emphasis on cutting air pollution, which is among the key factors affecting human health.
The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Romania in June 2017 and an additional letter of formal notice in July 2019. Although Romania has been overhauling its air quality monitoring network, many gaps remain concerning the appropriate number and type of air quality sampling points. These shortcomings amount to a systemic failure to comply with obligations to monitor air pollution.
Therefore, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.