Commission launches the clean air for Europe programme
The European Commission has adopted a 'Clean air for Europe' programme, aimed to help achieve an integrated strategy to combat air pollution by 2004. The move constitutes the first of the thematic strategies outlined in the Commission's proposal for a sixth environmental action programme. 'Recent studies, such as the ones carried out under the Auto-Oil II programme finalised last year, have revealed the considerable success that air quality policy has already had in reducing emissions to the benefit of human health and the environment,' claims the Commission. 'But more needs to be done.'. Since many of the existing air quality directives come up for review in 2004, the Commission believes an integrated programme will provide the best way to integrate work and prepare for an over-arching strategy. Dubbed CAFE, the clean air for Europe programme will provide a framework within which new air quality standards and national emission ceilings will be set, says the Commission. It focuses on particulate matter and ground level ozone and will also aim to address problems of acidification, eutrophication and damage to buildings, while monitoring hot spots for both existing and new pollutants.