Zero pollution monitoring assessment

Introduction

To measure progress towards the zero pollution action plan’s targets and vision and understand the likelihood of achieving them, robust monitoring and outlook mechanisms must be in place. Consequently, a monitoring and outlook framework was established under the zero pollution action plan.

The EEA is responsible for delivering the zero pollution monitoring assessment and supporting policy implementation through its ongoing monitoring and reporting on the state of the European environment. The Agency also monitors and reports more broadly on progress towards wider environmental and climate policy objectives. The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) has delivered the zero pollution outlook report, which takes a forward looking perspective in assessing the likelihood of the EU meeting the zero pollution targets.

This first zero pollution monitoring and outlook assessment serves as a baseline. Together with future assessments, it will support the Commission and Member States in assessing progress towards the zero pollution targets. It will also inform future policies designed to support the zero pollution ambition.

Accompanying resources

EEA’s zero pollution monitoring assessment is one of three products which together provide the monitoring, outlook and policy perspectives. The other products are:

• The overarching zero pollution monitoring and outlook report prepared by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment.
• The zero pollution outlook report, completed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

Progress towards the zero pollution targets

The zero pollution action plan lists a number of targets to be achieved by 2030. Progress towards these targets is presented below based on past trends. The current ‘distance to target’ is also presented - an assessment of the likelihood of achieving the target based on current status and recent trends. The distance to target is categorised on the following basis:

• On track: extrapolation of past trends suggests that the target will likely be met.
• Mostly on track: extrapolation of past trends suggests the target will be close to being met.
• Partly on track: extrapolation of past trends suggests progress will be made towards the target, but the target will not be met.
• Not on track: extrapolation of past trends indicates limited or no progress, the target will not be met.
• Uncertain: lack of clear evidence due to knowledge gaps.

An element of expert judgement is also used where there are uncertainties in the available evidence. For further information please click on the target card. 

Next steps

The EEA’s zero pollution monitoring assessment provides the first review of progress towards the zero pollution targets and vision. The aim of this assessment is to benchmark progress and support the European Commission and Member States in identifying areas where further measures are needed to deliver the zero pollution targets and vision.

A second monitoring and outlook assessment will be published in 2024, to review progress and revisit the most persistent barriers to achieving the zero pollution targets and vision.

Other useful resources:

The following resources also provide useful information on the zero pollution action plan:

• Horizon projects supporting the zero pollution action plan published by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation;
• The EU environment foresight system (FORENV) report on emerging issues impacting the delivery of a zero-pollution ambition by 2050;
• Report from the German Environment Agency (UBA) on the zero pollution action plan as a chance for a cross-regulatory approach to pollution prevention and reduction;
• EEA Signals 2020 report – towards zero pollution in Europe.