The air quality directive will for the first time regulate airborne levels of harmful fine dust particles, while also giving Member States some flexibility if they face difficulties in complying with some existing air pollution standards.
The directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe will streamline existing EU air quality legislation and introduce a limit on airborne concentrations of fine dust particles (known as PM2.5).

These particles, which are emitted by a wide range of sources including diesel vehicles, industrial processes and household boilers, are today recognized as the most dangerous air pollutant for human health. They contribute to the premature deaths of 350,000 people across the EU each year.

In addition to fixing an annual concentration limit for PM2.5, the directive will require Member States to reduce people's exposure to this group of particles by 20% between 2010 and 2019.

As proposed by the Commission, the new directive would not change existing air quality standards for seven pollutants but would give Member States more flexibility in meeting some of these - including limits on coarser particles (known as PM10) that took effect at the start of 2005 - in zones where they faced difficulties.

This flexibility includes discounting natural pollution sources when assessing compliance and being allowed, under strict conditions, up to five years extra (i.e. up to the end of 2009) for achieving compliance with the standards for PM10 and nitrogen dioxide.
The Council's text is broadly equivalent to the Commission's proposal allowing Member States a compliance extension of up to three years after the directive enters into force.

The European Parliament voted at first reading last month for a compliance extension of a total of up to six years. It also voted to change the daily limit on concentrations of PM10 particulates by allowing the limit to be exceeded on up to 55 days per year instead of 35 now. The Commission cannot accept these changes because they weaken the existing level of health protection (IP/06/1263).