Policy evaluations

Transboundary air pollution still too high

In the last 25 years, air pollution in Europe has been substantially reduced. However, current reduction plans are insufficient to fully protect ecosystems and human health. These are the main conclusions of the review of the Gothenburg Protocol by the Task Force Integrated Assessment Modelling, led by Rob Maas (MNP). With the current legislation, health risks due to exposure to particulate matter and ozone will still remain and, almost everywhere in Europe, biodiversity will decrease further due to high levels of nitrogen deposition. 

• to the report

Consequences for the Netherlands of the EU thematic strategy on air pollution

Measures proposed by the European Commission in the thematic strategy would greatly reduce air pollution. However, attainment of the proposed limit values remains difficult for the Netherlands, mainly because the proposed EU source policy is insufficient. 

• to the report

Consequences of EU air quality directives for spatial development plans in various EU countries

The Netherlands has implemented the EU air quality directive in a relatively strict manner in comparison to other EU countries. Failure to achieve air quality limit values can for the highest Dutch court of justice be a reason to reject plans for building plans for new residences, roads and businesses. In other EU countries the contrary seems to be the case, economical interests being the decisive factor. 

• to the report

Additional measures to meet EU air quality standards

Proposals from the Dutch government to reduce traffic emissions improve air quality in the Netherlands, but are insufficient to meet European limit values for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. Health risks due to air pollution are limitedly declining. As yet the bottlenecks for new spatial developments continue to exist. 

to Dutch report