Air pollution remains a significant challenge for the Western Balkans, with far-reaching impacts on public health, ecosystems, and economic development. Recognizing this, EU4Green has introduced three guidance documents tailored for the Western Balkans. These documents aim to support local authorities in tackling air pollution while aligning with the EU’s environmental standards. Let’s explore how these initiatives will impact air quality management in the region.

A Strategic Blueprint for Local Air Quality Plans

The Guidance for Developing Local Air Quality Plans provides a structured roadmap for municipal authorities across the Western Balkans. This document supports reaching compliance with the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives (AAQDs), outlining core elements for effective Air Quality Plans (AQPs). From identifying pollution sources to leveraging modeling tools, the guidance empowers local governments with practical tools and examples of success from across Europe.

Public participation is a cornerstone of this approach. By fostering community engagement, authorities can ensure that AQPs are not just regulatory documents but actionable plans rooted in collective effort. Funding pathways, such as access to the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), further enhance the feasibility of implementing these plans.

​ Download Guidance for Effective Air Quality Management – Developing Local Air Quality Plans

Reducing Agricultural Waste Burning: A Breath of Fresh Air

Agricultural residue burning (ARB) continues to pose significant challenges in rural areas, impacting soil health and air quality not only in these areas but also in nearby cities. The Guidance for Addressing Agricultural Waste Burning shifts the narrative toward sustainable agricultural practices. By highlighting conservation agriculture, composting, and bioenergy production as alternatives, the document offers a vision of cleaner air and revitalized soils.

Moreover, the document stresses the importance of regulatory enforcement and public awareness. Examples of effective ARB bans and alternative measures from within and beyond the region underscore the potential for change. By equipping stakeholders with calculation methods for ARB emissions and actionable solutions, this guidance bridges the gap between policy and practice.

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Cleaner Heating for Healthier Winters

Domestic heating represents a major contributor to winter air pollution in the Western Balkans. Outdated heating technologies and poor fuel quality exacerbate particulate matter (PM_2.5) emissions, endangering public health. The Guidance for Tackling Emissions from Domestic Heating addresses this challenge. It explores innovative solutions, from heat pumps and district heating systems to better biomass technologies.

Importantly, the guidance links air quality goals with broader energy policies, such as the EU’s Green Deal. By integrating strategies for energy efficiency and poverty alleviation, it promotes equitable access to cleaner heating solutions. Examples from countries like Austria and Ireland as well as cities such as Tuzla and Skopje showcase how local governments can transition to sustainable domestic heating while ensuring affordability and energy security.

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The EU4Green guidance documents are designed to serve as practical tools for addressing air quality management challenges. By focusing on localized solutions, sustainable practices, and cross-sectoral collaboration, they provide a framework to help the Western Balkans align with EU standards while promoting public health and environmental protection.

As these documents are shared with stakeholders, they highlight the potential of evidence-based strategies to drive meaningful progress. While challenges remain, these resources offer a solid foundation for fostering cleaner air and a healthier environment across the region.