Clean air and lung health: ELF supports joint letter to President von der Leyen

ELF has joined health organisations from across Europe to support a joint letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The letter calls for stronger action on clean air in the next long-term EU budget, which will cover the years after 2027.

The EU Healthy Air Coalition (EUHAC), which ELF is a founding part of, sent the letter on 9 July 2025. It highlights the serious health impacts of air pollution and asks for clear commitments in future EU funding to support clean air and reduce pollution at its source.

Why clean air matters

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk to health in Europe and around the world. It is known to cause or worsen a wide range of conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

According to the European Environment Agency, 94% of people living in cities across the EU are still breathing air that is more polluted than what the World Health Organization says is safe. This air contains tiny harmful particles that can damage the lungs and overall health.

Children and young people are especially at risk, as their lungs are still developing. For people living with a lung condition, air pollution can have a daily impact on breathing, energy levels and wellbeing. It increases the risk of flare-ups, hospital admissions and long-term damage to lung function.

Dimitris Kontopidis, Chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF), signed the letter on behalf of ELF. He said:

“For people living with lung disease, clean air is not optional. It is essential to our health and ability to live a full life. The EU must show leadership and put clean air at the centre of future policies and funding.”

What the letter asks for

The joint letter calls on the European Commission to:

• End subsidies and funding that support fossil fuels and biomass burning
• Increase investments in clean air measures
• Make sure the EU’s next budget supports health and prevention
• Recognise that clean air is essential for economic resilience, wellbeing, and equity

You can read the full letter and see the list of signatories on the EU Healthy Air Coalition website.