MEPs call for immediate release of air package

15 MEPs representing the main political groups from across the political spectrum called upon the European Commission yesterday to propose new measures to improve air quality in Europe.  

MEPs gathered in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg to propose its air package before the end of the European Year of Air.

The action follows Monday’s announcement by a spokesperson for the Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik about the delayed adoption of the promised air package. Continuous delays means there are now only a few days left to save the face of the so called “European Year of Air” and propose new measures to improve air quality in Europe.

MEPs held a giant inflatable pair of lungs above their heads to symbolise the importance of protecting people’s health. They carried a banner saying ‘Our lungs are in your hands’ addressed to all twenty-eight EU Commissioners.

MEPs were joined by representatives of a large coalition of environment and health NGOs including groups from France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

“Each year, air pollution continues to kill more than 400 000 Europeans prematurely and increases our health bills by billions, as well as causing widespread environmental damage” said Jeremy Wates, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau. “All of this can be avoided, but it requires as a first step that the Commission stops dragging its feet and comes forward with an ambitious package in the coming days”.

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