The European Commission adopted a new strategy with regard to the air quality in the EU and has declared 2013 as the year of air, with new proposals on improving air quality across Europe.

The European Commission has declared 2013 the year of air. This measure is accompanied by a plan to highlight the importance of clean air for all and to focus on actions to improve air quality across the EU. The EU has been tackling air pollution since the 1970s. Steps like controlling emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and improving fuel quality have contributed to progress in this area, but the problem still remains. The European Commission is also asking EU citizens what they would do to improve air quality in Europe. In order to gather views, opinions and ideas, the European Commission is holding a public consultation until 4 March 2013.

In addition, the Commission has formed a collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. They will review the latest health science on major air pollutants such as particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Their findings will be presented at an event this month titled 'Understanding the health effects of air pollution: recent advances to inform EU policies'.

Air pollution is cited as the main cause of lung conditions such as asthma (there are twice as many sufferers today compared to 30 years ago), and as the cause of over 350,000 premature deaths in the EU every year. Now, the European Commission is adopting a new strategy and has declared 2013 as the year of air, with new proposals on improving air quality across Europe.