EU citizens will be compensated for the quality of the air they breathe?
Around 300.000 deaths a year in the EU can be attributed to the health consequences of air pollution, making it the "biggest environmental health risk in Europe", the EU said.
The new restrictions will apply to so-called PM10 and PM2.5 particles, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide that cause respiratory problems.
Right to compensation
Citizens will have the right to compensation if they get sick due to air pollution beyond the indicated limits of the presence of PM10 and PM2.5 particles, according to the announcement.
EU members can request a postponement of the deadline until 2030, but under certain conditions. The new restrictions are part of an agreement between representatives of the European Parliament and EU member states reached in February.
EU members have two years to transpose the new rules into national legislation. Countries that do not respect the restrictions may be fined.
The purpose of the new rules is to determine the direction of the European Commission's action plan for zero level of pollutants in air, water and soil by 2050.