Legal aspects

The following legal acts constitute the legislative framework governing ambient air quality assessment and reporting in the European Union.

• Directive (EU) 2024/2881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

  Adopted on 23 October 2024.

• Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

  To be repealed with effect from 12 December 2026.

• Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air

  To be repealed with effect from 12 December 2026.

• Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1480 of 28 August 2015 amending several annexes to Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC laying down the rules concerning reference methods, data validation and location of sampling points for the assessment of ambient air quality

• Commission Implementing Decision 2011/850/EU of 12 December 2011 laying down rules for Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC as regards the reciprocal exchange of information and reporting on ambient air quality

  Also known as the “Implementing Provisions (IPR) Decision”.