Guidelines on National Emission Reduction Commitments (NEC)

Air pollution is the most important environmental cause of premature mortality, as well as the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In addition, it contributes to the loss of biodiversity, which has serious impacts on entire ecosystems. The European Union has been dealing with the issue of air pollution since the 1970s and is constantly developing various measures and instruments aimed at improving air quality and protecting the environment.

Directive on National Obligations (NEC) EU 2016/2284 defines specific national targets to reduce emissions of five main pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), ammonia (NH3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for the period 2020-2029 , setting more ambitious targets for the period from 2030 onwards. In addition, it includes both mandatory and voluntary reporting of emissions of other pollutants, while the reduction of these emissions is not required in this case.

In accordance with Article 13 par. 1 of the NEC directive, the European Commission is obliged to review this directive no later than December 31, 2025, in order to evaluate its effectiveness and possibly propose the necessary modifications.

Based on the NEC Directive, EU Member States must carry out the following obligations:

1. Create and regularly update national air pollution control programs that include policies and measures to reduce emissions.

2. Prepare pollutant emission inventories by individual sectors.

3. Create emission forecasts with estimates of future development.

4. Process emission inventories with information on spatial distribution and significant sources (e.g. power plants).

5. Monitor the effects of air pollution on ecosystems.

According to the second report on the implementation of the NEC Directive, published by the Commission in July 2024, the overall compliance of Member States with their national emission reduction commitments was relatively good in all areas except for ammonia emissions.

The NEC directive is one of the three pillars of the EU's clean air policy and complements the ambient air quality directives (2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC) and emission standards for key sources of pollution. This framework also implements the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol, which aims to reduce transboundary air pollution and is supported by all EU Member States.

The Zero Pollution Action Plan, adopted by 2021, sets related targets to be met by 2030. These targets include reducing the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution by 55 % compared to 2005, as well as reducing the number of EU ecosystems where pollution air threatens biodiversity, by 25 %. In this way, the EU strives to integrate environmental and health aspects into its policies and ensure a better quality of life for all residents.

Overall, it is an ambitious initiative with the aim of transforming the EU's air protection policy, thereby contributing to the protection of the population's health and the preservation of nature for future generations. (Co2AI)