On 10 December 2024, the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) entered into force. As well as merging and updating the two previous ambient air quality directives, the revision enhances 2030 EU outdoor air quality standards bringing them closer in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Air Quality Guidelines.

This represents a significant breakthrough in the improvement of public and environmental health. Based on the European Commission’s impact assessment, the AAQD will lead to a 55% reduction in premature deaths and gross annual health, economic and environmental benefits of up to €121 billion.

While the lowering of EU outdoor air quality standards is a milestone, it is important to remember that, according to the WHO, there are no safe levels of exposure to particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

EU Member States have until 11 December 2026 to transpose the AAQD into national law and are required to meet updated air quality standards by 1 January 2030.

This document provides an overview of the changes coming into effect as a result of the AAQD. A more detailed summary of the revision, which is particularly useful for authorities and organisations working on air quality, can be found here on our website.