Zero Pollution: Clean Air Dialogue between the Commission and the Netherlands

The Commission is holding on 17 and 18 February a Clean Air Dialogue with the Netherlands to promote actions to improve air quality and reduce air pollution in the country. This bilateral dialogue focuses on the main challenges faced by the Netherlands, such as emissions from residential heating, transport and agriculture. Special emphasis is placed on collaboration between the public and private sector, as well as the role of cities and local and regional authorities – including green public procurement, green urban planning and other green policies. Taking part in the Clean Air Dialogue, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “Further reducing air pollution in the Netherlands, and across Europe, would improve quality of life, decrease premature deaths from respiratory diseases and reduce pressure on ecosystems and biodiversity. It also makes economic sense. This is the approach we are taking with our Zero Pollution ambition set in the European Green Deal. Events such as this Clean Air Dialogue are important, as they improve collaboration and create the opportunity for cross-sector and cross-level discussions and exchanges.” While emissions of several air pollutants have decreased significantly in the Netherlands since the 1990s, air pollution still gives cause for concern and has a significant impact on the health of citizens. The Netherlands also faces other challenges, especially regarding the reduction of ammonia and nitrogen pollution from agriculture. This Clean Air Dialogue gathers the Dutch authorities, European Commission representatives and over 200 stakeholders in a structured discussion. Clean Air Dialogues have been put in place by the Commission in 2016 and to date seven such dialogues have taken place: in Ireland, Luxembourg, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy. Clean Air Dialogues are voluntary can be organised upon request by the Member States. More information is available in the news release.