European Fund: Pollution in Balkans causes large number of premature deaths

Air pollution in the Western Balkans is the cause of a large number of premature deaths in the region, as well a shorter life expectancy and deteriorating public health, the European Balkans Fund said on Wednesday while implementing the third phase of the 'United Balkans for Clean Air' campaign with partners from the region in January.

That is why, it adds, air quality should be improved as soon as possible and public health through better health systems.

This campaign phase aims to inform citizens about the consequences of pollution on mortality and health in the Western Balkans, with an invitation to the people in the region to join the fight to improve air quality and prolong the lives of all.

According to the latest data from the European Environment Agency, poor air quality kills more than 30,000 people a year in the region. At the same time, the European Union's joint research centre points out that air pollution contributes to a reduction in life expectancy of 0.4 to 1.3 years in Western Balkans, the Fund said in a statement.

Studies show, it adds, that coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans alone are responsible for economic damage from health costs of between 1.2 and 3.4 billion euros a year.

The 'United Clean Air Campaign' says it calls on the authorities to define the reduction of air pollution as a national, regional and international priority and to integrate it into all planning processes, to increase budget funding for pollution control and to establish pollution monitoring systems.

It also calls for establishing a multisectoral partnership at local, national and regional levels to improve pollutant control and air quality. The prevention of non-communicable diseases caused by poor air quality should be integrated into environmental and health policy priorities.

The 'United Balkans for Clean Air' campaign is an initiative of the European Balkans Fund in partnership with Eco Forum from Zenica, Environmental Territorial Management Institute from Tirana, Sbunker and Balkan Green Foundation from Pristina, Air Care from Skopje, OZON from Podgorica, Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment and the Belgrade Open School.