BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Fewer European countries could face fines for breaching air pollution limits after recession slowed industrial activity and limits on sulfur emissions kicked in.
Eight EU states, including France and Germany, are likely to have failed to meet EU emission standards in 2011, down from 12 countries in 2010, according to preliminary figures released on Monday by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Transport emissions were a major cause for overshooting the agreed limits and debate continues this week in the European Parliament on how to implement tougher targets on vehicle emissions that can help nations adhere to air quality laws.