8 January 2013: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has announced that clean air will be the focus of EU environmental policy discussions during 2013, the EU Year of Air. The European Commission is reviewing the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and related policies in 2013.

According to EEA, air pollution remains a key public health and environmental concern in Europe. As part of efforts to improve the situation, the European Commission is reviewing the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and related policies in 2013, and is undertaking extensive consultations on policy options.

EEA says the most problematic pollutant for health in Europe is particulate matter, which has only decreased slightly over the last decade. According to EEA, recent scientific evidence indicates that environmental impacts of air pollution, such as acidification and eutrophication, are more serious than anticipated. This is partly because ecosystems are more sensitive than previously thought. [EEA Announcement] [EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution] [EU Consultation on Thematic Strategy] [European Commission Press Release]