EC sends Romania to court over poor air quality in Bucharest

The European Commission (EC) decided to refer Romania to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to meet air quality standards. According to the EC, air pollution levels with particulate matter in the region of the Romanian capital Bucharest have been persistently exceeded ever since the EU law became applicable to Romania. In 2016, this happened on 38 days. The EC opened infringement procedures on air quality against six member countries, namely France, Germany, UK, for nitrogen dioxide pollution, and Hungary, Italy and Romania for particulate matter pollution. “The 6 Member States in question did not present credible, effective and timely measures to reduce pollution, within the agreed limits and as soon as possible, as required under EU law. The Commission has therefore decided to proceed with legal action,” reads an EC press release. Romania’s Environment Ministry announced on Thursday, May 17, that the integrated air quality plan for Bucharest will be adopted by the end of July. Romania allots EUR 7.1 mln for air quality projects editor@romania-insider.com