Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform: new dashboard helps local leaders in the fight against pollution

The new Zero Pollution Dashboard for regions and cities, launched by the European Commission (EC) during the 7th meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) on 3 March 2025 in Brussels, revealed 15 regions in Austria, Finland, France, Germany and Sweden that have achieved the lowest pollution levels in the EU, highlighting their contribution to cleaner air, water and soil. This tool helps local policymakers identify challenges, target investments, and learn from successful cases in tackling pollution. 

During the 7th meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP), which was co-chaired by CoR member, Marieke Schouten, and a high-level representative of the European Commission (EC), the 2nd Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report was also presented by the EC. The event brought together high-level speakers from the EC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to exchange views on the findings of the report. They also discussed the new dashboard assessing Europe's progress towards a cleaner and healthier environment within the framework of the Zero Pollution Agenda and the Commission 2024-2029 political guidelines. On the same day, the EC also published the fourth Clean Air Outlook report. 

The ZPSP is a joint initiative of the CoR and the EC aimed at supporting the implementation of the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan, fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment. Pollution remains the largest environmental cause of mental and physical diseases and biodiversity loss. The platform brings together experts from of different policy areas, including local and regional governments, to facilitate collaboration, share best practices, and develop effective policies aimed at achieving the 2030 targets and the 2050 Zero Pollution Vision. By providing information and fostering policy discussions, the ZPSP helps local governments implementing effective zero-pollution measures on the ground. 

According to the new Zero Pollution Dashboard for regions and cities, 15 regions in 5 countries have achieved a low level of pollution, compared to the EU averages based on a combination of indicators for the period 2020-2022; 97% of regions have improved their air quality since 2016; and 75% of regions reduced industrial emissions between 2017 and 2021. This tool tracks progress, compares regions and highlights the best performers. It helps local policymakers identify challenges, as pollution levels remain high and progress is often too slow to reach the EU's zero pollution targets, as outlined in the Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report. 

The Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook Report evaluated progress toward the 2030 targets and highlights remaining challenges. While EU policies have helped reduce pollution, levels remain too high, particularly levels of harmful noise, microplastics, nutrient pollution, and waste generation. The report calls for stronger action to meet the 2030 reduction goals. 

The new EU Clean Air Outlook showed the progress made in the EU in improving air quality and underlines the efforts still needed. According to the report, only four Member States (Estonia, Finland, Greece and Italy) are on course to achieve all their 2030 emission-reduction commitments. 

Quote: 

Marieke Schouten (NL/Greens), Alderman of the Municipality of Nieuwegein, rapporteur on the opinion EU Action Plan: 'Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil: "Zero pollution is an important ambition to protect the health of people and ecosystems. Taking action to address pollution matters. This is shown in the second outlook report and the dashboard. The new Dashboard for regions equips policymakers with crucial data to drive urgent action, focusing on key pollution indicators related to health, ecosystem protection, biodiversity, and production and consumption. These insights can help regional and local actors to take further actions, paving the way towards a healthier, pollution-free future for all."

Background: 

•  To rewatch the 7th meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform click here.
• For the period 2020-2022, the cleanest regions are: 
  • In Sweden: Övre Norrland, Norra Mellansverige, Östra Mellansverige, Småland med öarna, Västsverige;
  •  In France: Limousin, Aquitaine, Franche-Comté; Languedoc-Roussillon;
  • In Austria: Tirol, Kärnten, Vorarlberg, Salzburg;
  • In Finland: Länsi-Suomi;
  • In Germany: Gießen; 
• The dashboard will connect with the catalogue of Green Deal Going Local Best Practices of the CoR.
• The CoR is also supporting the implementation of zero pollution efforts within its Green Deal Going Local activities.
• To contribute to the survey to improve dashboard click here.