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Luxembourg, along with several other EU states, fails its emission ceiling requirement according to the European environment agency.Picture credit: Jeff Kubina 

The European environment agency has published a report on the progress of member states on the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive. Luxembourg exceeded two ceilings in 2015, namely for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and for non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs).

The directive has been applicable since 2010 and sets targets for 2019. New targets for 2029 and beyond are set in the new directive.

“Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, and can cause respiratory problems and shorten lifespans. It also contributes to the acidification of soil and surface water, causes eutrophication in sensitive habitats and can damage vegetation through exposure to ozone.”

Overall, the report finds that while emissions of these air pollutants have declined in the EU since 2010, for the second consecutive year emissions of NH3 increased across the EU, by 1.7% from 2014 to 2015, due to higher reported emissions from the agriculture sector.

Adjustments to the calculations

However, the new NEC directive allows member states under certain circumstances to "adjust" downwards their reported emissions for compliance assessment with the national ceilings. In 2017, adjustment applications were submitted by nine member states, including Luxembourg.

Following a review of these applications, and if approved, the number of member states exceeding one or more emission ceilings in 2015 is expected to decrease from 11 to 5, with emissions from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland and Luxembourg all now being below their respective ceilings.

Member states have to report by April 2019 their "national air pollution control programmes" which set out the necessary additional emission reduction measures to be implemented so that these countries reach their future emission reduction commitments.