Norway has been cited for violations of the European Union’s directive on air pollution, after testing revealed high concentrations of nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide among other particles in the air. Oslo got the worst score.
Measures aimed at reducing air pollution haven’t been adequate, reported Norwegian media this week, so the regulators from the European Economic Area (EEA) are bringing Norway before the European Free Trade Association’s court.
Oslo, surrounded by hills on three sides, scored the poorest of Norwegian cities tested and has had excessive air pollution levels since 2008, according to newspaper Dagens Næringsliv (DN). Such violations lead to EU demands for concrete measures aimed at clearing the air, but that hasn’t happened. The EU action against Norway was spurred by a complaint from Norway’s asthmas and allergy association last year.
EEA officials are thus taking Norway before the EFTA court. Bergen and Trondheim were also found to occasionally violate air pollution regulations, but not as seriously as Oslo. The Norwegian cities are far from alone, however, in being rebuked by the EU. Cities in two-thirds of the EU member states have also been similarly charged.
newsinenglish.no staff
