The report’s findings differ from a previous Copernicus Service report released in 2024 and are based on the CAMS reanalysis, which combines simulations from eleven European reference models with observational data validated and officially reported by member states. This approach provides a particularly robust baseline estimate of air quality.
The report provides an overview of air quality in Europe in 2023, focusing on the main regulated air pollutants that impact health: ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). It provides a detailed description of spatial variability and presents several key indicators, such as average pollution levels, population exposure, and exceedances of regulatory thresholds—as defined by the European Directive on Ambient Air Quality (2024/2881) and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021**. It also includes an analysis of seasonal, interannual, and long-term trends. These elements provide a better understanding of how air pollution varies from one region to another and over time, and help both policymakers and citizens grasp the challenges related to air quality.
With regard to 2023, there was a notable decrease in emissions from the energy sector compared to previous years, consistent with the expected effects of reduction policies in Europe. Weather conditions also played an important role. Overall, 2023 was a warm and wet year, with a less extreme summer than in 2022. These conditions influenced ozone formation, which is highly dependent on temperature. Milder temperatures in the spring and fall may have limited emissions from residential heating, a major source of fine particulate matter. In addition, frequent rainfall episodes promoted wet deposition processes, contributing to a decrease in particulate matter concentrations across much of Europe.
