Air quality: PM2.5 atlases track pollution sources in EU cities and beyond

A JRC analysis of 150 urban areas in the EU reveals the scale of PM2.5 pollution stemming from the residential sector (average contribution at 29% on EU cities), while industry PM2.5 recorded a decline thanks to implementation of EU policies on industrial emissions (average contribution at 18%). As for enlargement countries, the analysis of 118 urban areas shows the residential sector and industry are the two major contributors to PM2.5 pollution.  

PM2.5 are particles with diameters of up to 2.5 microns, hazardous for human health and responsible for 182,000 premature deaths in 2023 in the EU, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Data for 2023 show that 94% of Europe’s urban population is exposed to levels above those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The information and analysis provided by the atlases could help authorities to identify the most efficient actions at local level. For the countries and regions concerned by EU Enlargement policy, i.e. Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans, this is the first time that data on PM2.5 pollution has been compiled in a single report. It is essential scientific support on their path to EU accession and alignment with EU air quality legislation.

PM2.5 pollution across EU countries

Many European cities continue to be affected by air pollution from different sectors. The Urban PM2.5 Atlas - Air Quality in European Cities 2025 allows to track geographical and sectoral sources of pollution in EU cities. 

In terms of sectoral results, residential emissions are estimated to contribute to more than 25% of the PM2.5 total concentrations in about half of the cities and to more than 40% in one fifth of them. 

Effective EU legislation however has pushed down industrial emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) consistently, leading to a notable reduction of 10 percentage points in industrial contributions to urban PM2.5 pollution in the last 10 years (as shown comparing results between the first edition of the PM2.5 Atlas and the current one). 

Agricultural emissions, though originating from beyond urban areas, have a significant impact on PM concentration in many EU cities. Road transport also plays a significant role, especially in densely populated urban areas.

The findings reinforce the need for a multi-level governance approach combining local, national, and EU-wide actions to effectively address air pollution. While cities have a significant role in tackling their own emissions, coordinated efforts targeting sectors like agriculture and industry at broader scales remain essential for improving urban air quality.

PM2.5 pollution in cities across countries involved in the EU Enlargement policy

The Urban PM2.5 Atlas - Air Quality in Cities of Countries involved in the EU Enlargement policy shows that city emissions (including greater city areas) account for 38% of PM2.5 concentrations in Ukraine and Moldova, 30% in Türkiye and Georgia, and 22% in the Western Balkans. The findings underscore the necessity of multilevel governance in air quality management and the critical role of targeted local policies. They can also help the development of Cities Air Quality Plans.

In the Western Balkans, residential emissions dominate, accounting for 40% of urban PM2.5 concentrations and representing the main source in 84% of cities. Türkiye and Georgia show a similar pattern, while in Ukraine and Moldova, industrial emissions are the leading contributor, responsible for 34% of PM2.5 and dominating in 45% of cities. 

Agricultural emissions also significantly impact urban air quality and rank as the third-largest anthropogenic contributor in many cities. Road transport emissions are notably lower than in the EU27 region, with the Western Balkans Ukraine and Moldova contributing less than half of the EU reference values.

Pollution in cities is also influenced by the rest of the country sources with shares that range from 33-34% in Ukraine and Moldova and in Türkiye and Georgia respectively to 28% in the Western Balkans. 

The atlases were published on the occasion of the 5th Clean Air Forum taking place on 1-2 December. Also coinciding with the Forum, the European Commission published the evaluation results of the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive. 

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