Despite significant progress since the establishment of the network of air quality measuring stations and public information systems in the region, the quality and quantity of pollution data is still unsatisfactory and official results need to be much more accessible and clear, as stated by the European Fund for the Balkans, during the implementation of its “Balkans United for Clean Air” campaign with partners from the region.
“Citizens of the Western Balkans are entitled to know the levels of air pollution and to be informed about any change that occurs. States and local governments are required to provide access to information on air pollution at all times. We remind them and the media that this is just as important as weather reporting, and that data must be timely and easily accessible”, stated the participants in the regional campaign, including organizations from Belgrade, Pristina, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Zenica, Skopje and Tirana.
Despite progress in establishing a network of air quality measuring stations, there is still insufficient territorial coverage. Even in urban areas, there is a lack of information about some pollutants, especially the fine dust of the PM 2.5 category, one of the most dangerous substances. Although it is relevant to the population only if available every hour, data from many stations is published with a delay.
Most countries in the region do not have a precise list of sources and amounts of pollutant emissions. Without that and serious investments in measuring stations, the right actions to improve air quality cannot be implemented.
Most countries in the region do not have a precise list of sources and amounts of pollutant emissions. Without that and serious investments in measuring stations, the right actions to improve air quality cannot be implemented.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia agreed to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in November 2020 by signing the Sofia Declaration, which defined the obligations of the region’s countries to improve measurement and reporting and opened a path towards EU funds.
Public pressure remains key in improving the measurement system and exercising one’s right to be informed about the level of air pollution.
The “Balkans United for Clean Air” campaign was initiated by the European Fund for the Balkans in partnership with the following organizations: Eco Forum from Zenica, Environmental Territorial Management Institute from Tirana, Sbunker and Balkan Green Foundation from Pristina, Air Care from Skopje, OZON from Podgorica, Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute and Belgrade Open School from Belgrade. It takes place for the second year in a row, aiming to raise the regional citizens’ awareness about the causes and consequences of pollution, possible ways of improving air quality and the struggle for a healthier environment. “Balkans United for Clean Air” emphasizes the necessity of regional cooperation for the transformation of the energy industry and the environmental protection system, which would improve both the economy and public health.
Together, the campaign’s participants will make available all of its materials which belong to all citizens of the Western Balkans, whose active involvement is expected.
