EU Clean Air Forum 2025

According to the most recent data provided by the European Environment Agency, 95% of urban Europeans remain exposed to air pollutant concentrations above World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Air pollution is Europe’s largest environmental health risk, with multiple impacts on human health. Fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone are the most harmful pollutants.  

A recent EEA briefing, 'Air quality around ports and airports', explores the monitoring networks and air quality levels at major European ports and airports. The analysis reveals that monitoring at several of these transport hubs is limited and does not fully capture their impact. In 2023, levels of NO₂ and PM₂.₅ were generally higher at ports and airports compared to surrounding regions for most sites assessed. 

EEA's role at the forum

The European Environment Agency will be prominently represented at the event. Leena Ylä-Mononen, EEA Executive Director, will speak in a high-level panel exploring how Earth observation technologies are transforming the way we understand and manage air quality. 

The EEA will also host an interactive exhibition stand, showcasing: 

• The latest data on the burden of disease attributable to air pollution 

• An interactive installation illustrating how the human body is affected 

• Key insights from the EEA’s briefing on pollution in ports and airports

• The most updated information on air pollutants emissions, concentrations, impacts on ecosystems and measures to improve air quality

EEA experts will be present throughout the conference to answer questions and engage with participants: 

• Ian Marnane, Head of Unit, Pollution and health  

• Alberto González Ortiz, Air quality expert  

• Silvia Monge, Air quality expert  

• Ragnhildur Finnbjornsdottir, Air quality data expert  

• Siiri Latvala, Air emissions expert

• Petra Fagerholm, Stakeholder relations expert