Adopted in 1979, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (the Air Convention) is the most advanced multilateral clean air agreement. It provides a platform for clean air policy discussions and is supported by a well-established science network, the EMEP.
The Air Convention has been extended over time by eight Protocols, of which the EU is party to seven.
Of particular importance is the so-called Gothenburg Protocol, which sets national emission reduction commitments for four pollutants—sulphur (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia (NH₃) for 2020 and beyond. It was agreed in November 1999 and amended in 2012, setting emission reduction commitments for 2020 and beyond. These commitments have also been transposed into EU law by the Directive on National Emission Reduction Commitments.
The amended Gothenburg Protocol was ratified by Council Decision (EU) 2017/1757 following the Commission’s Clean Air Policy Package. Although the Gothenburg Protocol and the NECD are similar, they also differ in certain aspects. One study analysed the similarities and differences between the two instruments.
The protocol is currently under revision following a decision taken at the 43rd session of its Executive Body in Geneva in December 2023, to finalise the process by its 46th session in 2026.
The EU is active within the Air Convention and supports further ratification and implementation of the protocols by other Convention Parties, as well as the ongoing work for the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol. For example, the EU funds capacity-building in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Central Asia region to support their route to ratification.
