Nearly Half of EU Cities Do Not Yet Meet New Clean Air Standards: Report Shows Collaboration Is Key

BRUSSELS — Almost half of EU cities exceed air pollution limits set by a landmark EU clean air law, according to a new report from ClientEarth and World Resources Institute (WRI). The report raises concerns about the level of preparedness in cities across the bloc and outlines the changes needed across all levels of government to meet the new air quality standards, protect people’s health, and strengthen local economies.

📌 The Core Development

The EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) entered into force in December 2024, with stricter pollution limits to be met by Member States by 2030. According to the latest validated data from 2024, 181 of 394 cities analyzed (46%) exceeded the new limits.

ClientEarth lawyer, Emma Bud, said : “The new EU air pollution laws are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect Europeans from toxic air, but with almost half of cities falling short of the standards, alarm bells are ringing. We particularly need to transform the transport system in cities, reducing dependence on cars. Urban authorities can lead the way on so many of these policies, but they need strong support to protect people, including children and the most vulnerable.”

🔍 Background & Sector Context

The report explains that meeting the new standards—particularly on tackling dangerous small particle (PM2.5) pollution—will require systemic changes to how governments work together and address the root causes of air pollution across sectors, including transport, agriculture, energy, and urban planning. The key to this deeper level of change, the report argues, is strong collaboration between all levels of government, as well as across business and industry sectors. To achieve compliance, authorities will need to implement measures suggested by the AAQD, including:

Using case studies from across Europe, the report shows how strong support for city leaders is key to tackling urban air pollution:

📊 Industry & Real-World Impact

Steven Bland, Strategic Lead, City Systems Europe at WRI, said: “Air pollution remains a major public health and economic risk in European cities—one that is compounded by heatwaves. Making real progress requires tackling pollution across major emitting sectors, embedding air quality outcomes into investment frameworks, and coordinated action from local, regional, and national authorities. The EU now has an opportunity to show that cleaner air isn’t just an environmental goal—it’s an investment in people and a stronger, more resilient European economy.”

🔮 Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead

Download the full report: New clean air standards for Europe: Implications for cities .