Ecology, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation

The EC indicates that Latvia and Bulgaria must protect their residents from fine dust (PM10) pollution, which can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death.

Citizens in all six zones and agglomerations in Bulgaria (AG Sofia, AG Plovdiv, AG Varna, North, South-West and South-East) have been exposed to excessive levels of PM10 since at least 2007. The EC also indicates that in Latvia, only one zone is concerned – Riga – with breaches reaching back to 2007.

The EC believes that both member states have failed to take the necessary measures that should have been in place since 2007 to protect citizens' health, and is asking them to take forward-looking, speedy and effective action to comply as soon as possible. If Bulgaria and Latvia fail to act, the Commission may take the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The particles originate from emissions from industry, traffic and domestic heating. Under EU law, member states have to limit citizens' exposure to these particles.

The EC indicates that a reasoned opinion will follow in addition to letters of formal notice sent to both Bulgaria and Latvia in January 2013.