The policy brief issued by the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) in June 2026 makes it clear that, despite progress, air pollution remains a key health factor – particularly due to particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ultrafine particles (UFPs).
From the SRU’s perspective, the stricter requirements of the new EU Air Quality Directive represent an important step. At the same time, it is clear that consistent implementation in practice will be crucial – including significantly expanded monitoring and adequately resourced authorities.
Based on our experience with projects commissioned by public authorities, cities, and municipalities, we can clearly confirm this assessment. We conduct air quality measurements for particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) nationwide and provide support with technical assessments.
We place a special focus on ultrafine particles (UFPs):
Our measurements using a condensation particle counter (CPC) in accordance with DIN EN 16976 are already accredited under DIN EN ISO 17025. In this way, we actively contribute to the standardized monitoring of UFPs required by the SRU.
At the same time, our experience in dealing with public authorities shows that the new requirements for monitoring, air quality planning, and reporting are often difficult to meet with the current staffing levels. The SRU is therefore right to call for better staffing at the relevant agencies.
The EU Air Quality Directive does not address individual sources of pollution – such as road traffic – in isolation, but rather focuses on a holistic improvement in air quality across all relevant emission sources. This is why, in our view, it is also important that industry be given sufficient time to adapt to new limits and requirements. Ambitious goals can only be achieved sustainably if regulatory requirements are accompanied by realistic transition periods and feasible framework conditions.
These and many other challenges will also be the focus of the 24th Müller-BBM expert discussions on 30th September and 1st October 2026 in Berlin. Together with experts from industry, administration, and public authorities, we will discuss current developments and practical solutions related to air quality and noise abatement.