The group of 10 exceeded the legal limit regarding four major air pollutants, namely nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ammonia (NH3), which are mainly emitted from the transport and agriculture sources.
"In 2014, 10 Member States reported emission data under the NECD that were above the ceiling for at least one pollutant. Since 2010, 10 Member States have persistently exceeded their respective emission ceilings for NOx (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg), NMVOCs (Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg) and NH3 (Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain)," the EEA said in a statement published on the website.
In addition, the EEA noted that Germany was the only member state that exceeded three out of the four emission ceilings in 2014.
Under the EU's National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) from 2001 the member states have individual air pollutant emission limits, or 'ceilings', which restrict emissions for four important air pollutants. As of 2010, all member states are required to meet their emission levels.
