Letter: Health groups coalition calls on EU environment ministers to accelerate action for clean air for health

Health groups have sent a joint letter to EU environment ministers, calling to accelerate action for clean air for health, instead of delaying.

Ahead of the next meeting of the Environment Council of the EU where ministers will exchange on the revision of the EU’s clean air standards (Ambient Air Quality Directives – AAQD), the organisations, representing the European health sector, including medical doctors, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and health insurance funds, urge them to accelerate action to prevent disease and save on healthcare cost, instead of seeking exemptions and delays.

This means moving much closer to the position of the European Parliament on this key law for people’s health, especially for vulnerable groups, and for tackling health inequalities.

We look to you to enshrine your commitment to clean air, as expressed in previous Environment Council meetings, into tangible support for accelerated action under the AAQD, instead of delays and exemptions, and remain available for any questions and further information.

The full letter can be found here, it has been signed by

Anne Stauffer, Deputy Director, Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)

Dr Christiaan Keijzer, President, Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME)

Dr Barbara Hoffmann, Advocacy Council Chair, European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Susanna Palkonen, Director, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA)

Xavier Brenez, CEO of the Belgian Independent Health Insurance Funds (MLOZ)

Dr Hanna Boogaard, Co-Chair, International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) Europe Chapter

Dr Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Chair of the Environment and Health Committee, European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Dr Milka Solokovic, Director, European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)

Dr Wendy Yared, Director, European Cancer Leagues (ECL)