This October’s vote on the National Emissions Ceilings (NEC) Directive at the European Parliament felt like a tainted victory to many campaigners.

Although the vote strengthened existing rules and partly proved the increased commitment of MEPs towards improving air quality, the Parliament’s lack of ambition brought dark clouds upon an otherwise positive vote.

Concretely, the EU Parliament turned its back on the opportunity to save 42,800 additional lives every year from 2025 onwards.