BRUSSELS (October 28, 2026) — Almost half of EU cities exceed air pollution limits set by a landmark EU clean air law, according to a new report from ClientEarth and World Resources Institute (WRI). The report raises concerns about the level of preparedness in cities across the bloc, and outlines the changes needed across all levels of government to meet the new air quality standards, protect people’s health and strengthen local economies.

The EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) entered into force in December 2024, with stricter pollution limits to be met by Member States by 2030. According to the latest validated data from 2024, 181 of 394 cities analyzed (46%) exceeded the new limits.