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Improving air quality depends on interdepartmental cooperation
27. 05. 2025
Air
On May 27, 2025, an initial working meeting took place at the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic with the aim of fostering interdepartmental cooperation in the field of air protection. The meeting of representatives of ministries, organizations representing municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders was opened by State Secretary Mr. Filip Kuffa. As a result of the discussions, which were also attended by State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic Mr. Jozef Smatana, working groups have been established. Their task will be to identify areas beyond the competencies of the environmental sector and seek solutions to improve air quality in the interest of public health and compliance with international commitments.
EU Member States face tightening limits to protect health in connection with EU Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Slovakia is already subject to infringement proceedings by the European Commission for exceeding limit values for particulate pollutants and for failing to adopt adequate measures to improve air quality. Slovakia must therefore respond promptly to the high demands placed on air quality.
Elevated concentrations of air pollutants have negative effects on human health and contribute to a range of health problems and premature deaths. According to estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA), deteriorated air quality in Slovakia is responsible for approximately 5,000 deaths per year. Slovakia has long struggled with exceeding limit values for particulate matter PM10, PM2.5, and target values for the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene, which mainly originate from household solid fuel heating as well as transport. In view of the stricter requirements for air quality, it is therefore essential to identify new measures.
Since 2020, the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic has been implementing the LIFE IP – Air Quality Improvement project, through which it has, among other things, strengthened expert capacities in the regions. Within the Recovery Plan, it provides the “Renew Your Home” and “Renew Your Home Mini” grant programs, aimed at improving the thermal insulation properties of family houses and supporting the replacement of heating equipment.
The involuntary exposure of the population to air pollutants is a societal problem requiring interdepartmental dialogue. The working groups will focus on effective air quality management, cooperation between air protection authorities, health protection, environmental education and awareness-raising, energy accessibility, application of sustainable mobility principles, and financing of measures to improve air quality.
Interdepartmental dialogue in the field of air protection is an initiative of the LIFE IP – Air Quality Improvement project (www.populair.sk), coordinated by the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic with the support of the European Union under the LIFE program.
