400,000 Europeans die every year as a result of air pollution from several sources – including from agriculture. That’s the main finding from a new European Environment Agency report published today.

The EEB welcomes the findings and calls on the Commission to take them into consideration when it puts forward its new blueprint for farming in Europe at the end of November.

The EEB is the largest network of environmental citizens’ organizations in Europe with around 140 members in more than 30 countries.

EEB Policy Manager for Agriculture and Bioenergy, Faustine Bas-Defossez, said:

“Today’s report is yet more proof that our food and farming system is not working in harmony with the environment and health. We need bold Commission proposals on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy that will lead to a truly sustainable farming policy – one that gives us clean air to breathe, protects wildlife, farmers, farm animals and provides us all with healthy food today and tomorrow.”

EEB Policy Officer on Air Pollution and Noise, Margherita Tolotto, said:

“The Commission can play a crucial role when it comes to taking member states to task on air quality. With the recently launched infringement procedures against Luxembourg, Slovakia and Romania, which joined an already rich list of member states which are considered to be failing to implement EU law on air quality, today’s shocking findings on the impact air pollution has on our health should give the Commission renewed impetus to hold member states to their clean air commitments.“

ENDS

Notes to editors:

[1] List of ongoing infringement procedures against Member States