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The indicator shows the number of annual premature deaths attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and the related zero-pollution action plan objective for 2030. Premature deaths are derived from a health risk assessment approach based on World Health Organization Europe recommendations measuring the general impact of air pollution across a given population.
The number of premature deaths due to air pollution has been fluctuating since 2005, with the second lowest . Still, it will be difficult for Montenegro to meet the EU policy target of a 55 % decrease in deaths caused by particulate matter with a diameter of . PM2.5 concentrations show exceedances of the annual limit value several times in for the northern and central parts of the country, while concentrations were below that threshold in the southern region. The combustion of solid fuels (wood and coal) used for heating, traffic and industry and emissions from the combustion of illegal landfills can be . To improve the current situation, various measures like subsidies for sustainable heating alternatives, improved energy efficiency of homes and hybrid vehicles have been taken. This should contribute to a decrease in air pollution in the long term and a healthier environment for everyone.
Legislation such as the national strategy on is dependent on the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and must align with it, and local air quality plans must be updated in municipalities with critical air pollution levels.
References and footnotes
- ↵Eurostat, ‘Premature deaths due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)’, sdg_11_52, 3 February 2025, accessed 23 June 2025, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/sdg_11_52/default/table?lang=en.
- ↵Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Pathway to a healthy planet for all – EU action plan: ‘Towards zero pollution for air, water and soil’, COM(2021) 400 final of 12 May 2021, accessed 23 June 2025, https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/env/items/712620/.
- ↵Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro, ‘Information on state of environment in Montenegro’, Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro website, accessed 23 June 2025, https://epa.org.me/informacije-o-stanju-zivotne-sredine/.
- a bMinistry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, Draft of Air Quality Management Strategy 2021–2029, Podgorica, 2021, accessed 23 June 2025, https://www.gov.me/dokumenta/11674b76-fe5c-4fcc-b0ac-9b3f681e633b.