Noise and dirt in Europe's cities: Where is the clean air?

Noise and dirt in Europe's cities: Where is the clean air?

Berlin, Deutschland - In European cities, there is alarming air pollution and unbearable traffic noise. According to a report by the European Court of Auditors, there will be hardly any faster improvements. In particular, the pollution from cars and trucks remains serious. Despite a general improvement in air quality within the EU, the limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has recently been exceeded in ten countries. In 2022, estimated 300,000 people died prematurely due to air pollution. This not only worries citizens, but also causes pressure on the governments to find faster and more effective solutions, such as "https://weather.com/de-de/kissen/news/2025-16-hohe-air pollution-eu-warn-uft-in-uropas-Stadt"> The Weather Company reported.

growing environmental problems require urgent measures

The report makes it clear that despite the efforts to reduce traffic noise, the legal target value cannot be achieved by 2030. Instead of a desired reduction of 30 percent, only a decline of 19 percent is expected, and in the worst case, the number of people concerned could even increase. These worrying trends are in contrast to the measures desired by the EU to improve air quality, which, as the Kleine Zeitung require far -reaching progress. The use of microplastics that gets into the environment through everyday products and the progressive waste production show the extent of the challenge.

The Commission sees the need for further efforts by all Member States. All of these factors together create a critical picture: the EU must act in order to achieve air quality that meets the health requirements of the population. This problem affects not only the large metropolitan areas, but also the quality of life of all Europeans who have to suffer from the consequences of environmental pollution.