The long–term strategic objective of the new European Clean
Air Program, proposed by the European Commission in 2013, is to
attain air quality levels that do not give rise to significant negative
impacts on, or risks for, human health and the environment. In
face of the challenges that have been found in complying with air
quality standards, the first objective of the proposed Air Policy
Package is to achieve full compliance with present air quality
policies, and conform to international commitments by 2020. The
second general objective of the European Clean Air Program is to
reduce the impact of air pollution beyond 2020, with 2030 being
the target year. For that a proposal for a revised National Emission
Ceilings Directive has been prepared (COM(2013)920final),
applicable from 2020 and 2030 for NOX, NMVOC, SO2, NH3,
particulate matter (PM) and methane (CH4). To ensure timely
compliance, interim targets applicable to the same pollutants will
apply for 2025. The aim of the envisaged staggered tightening of
commitments is to achieve compliance with the amended