European legislation

The European Parliament and the Council of Europe have determined that all EU member states must meet targets for emissions of air pollutants in order to curb emissions. The directives apply to five air pollutants: nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile compounds (NMVOCs), ammonia, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter.
The emission ceilings for these substances are as follows:
- NO_x: emissions must be 45 percent lower in the period 2020-2029 than they were in 2005. With effect from 2030, emissions must be 61 percent lower than they were in 2005.
- NMVOCs: emissions must be 8 percent lower in the period 2020-2029 than they were in 2005. With effect from 2030, emissions must be 15 percent lower than they were in 2005.
- Ammonia: emissions must be 12 percent lower in the period 2020-2029 than they were in 2005. With effect from 2030, emissions must be 21 percent lower than they were in 2005.
- SO₂: emissions must be 28 percent lower in the period 2020-2029 than they were in 2005. With effect from 2030, emissions must be 53 percent lower than they were in 2005.
- Particulate matter: emissions must be 37 percent lower in the period 2020-2029 than they were in 2005. With effect from 2030, emissions must be 45 percent lower than they were in 2005.

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