Brussels punishes Italy: toxic air in Naples and Palermo

The EU Commission has initiated infringement proceedings over excessive nitrogen dioxide levels. Rome has two months to respond to inadequate anti-pollution plans.

BrusselsItaly is once again in the European Union's crosshairs for air pollution. The Commission has opened infringement proceedings against our country, sending a letter of formal notice for persistently exceeding nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits in the urban areas of Naples and Palermo.

For years, the two major cities in Southern Italy have recorded NO2 concentrations exceeding the limits set by the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive. NO2 is a pollutant primarily linked to traffic and harmful to respiratory health. Despite the requirement to adopt effective plans to return to the limits as quickly as possible, Brussels deems the Italian measures "inadequate" to resolve the problem quickly.

Rome now has two months to respond to the complaints and address the identified shortcomings. If the response is unsatisfactory, the Commission may issue a reasoned opinion, initiating the next phase of the procedure, which could result in financial penalties.

This is the latest chapter in a long-running European battle against Italian pollution, which has previously led to convictions and fines in various parts of the country. Brussels' move underscores the urgent need for structural interventions to protect public health in southern cities.