Government officials and stakeholders convened to discuss the progress and ongoing efforts to combat air pollution. The meeting, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mejiti, emphasized the need for coordinated action at all levels to achieve tangible results.

The discussion centered around the implementation of the Action Plan for improving air quality and the environment. Attendees reported on the specific measures their institutions have undertaken to address air pollution, acknowledging that it is a long-standing issue affecting not only the country but also neighboring regions and the world. The Government has committed to a coordinated approach between local and central institutions to tackle the problem.

A key outcome of the meeting was the recognition that all entities – state institutions, local governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals – share responsibilities in improving air quality. Coordinated action is deemed essential to achieving the desired outcomes.

To facilitate this, the Ministry of Environment established a working group that developed an “Action Plan for the Heating Season 2024-2025.” This plan outlines short-term, realistic, and quickly implementable intervention measures, assigning responsibility to specific institutions and requiring them to report on their progress.

The primary focus of the activities has been on intensifying controls of legal entities to ensure compliance with integrated permits and environmental impact assessments. Penalties have been imposed on those found in violation of the law. Institutions have also prioritized waste treatment and controls on open burning. Notably, successful efforts have been made in controlling vehicle technical inspection stations to ensure proper exhaust emission measurements and conducting extraordinary inspections of vehicle technical conditions, particularly for diesel-fueled and unregistered vehicles.

Furthermore, the government has initiated the Planning Program for Clean Air 2025-2030. This program focuses on long-term measures and solutions, addressing all critical aspects of ambient air quality improvement through a systemic approach designed to yield results in the short, medium, and long term.