Most people living in European cities are exposed to poor air quality. Road transport, agriculture, power plants, industry and households are the biggest emitters of air pollutants in Europe.

Latest estimates by the European Environment Agency show that fine particulate matter continues to cause premature deaths to more than 400 000 Europeans annually.

The European Commission is committed to tackling air pollution and help Member States make sure that the quality of their citizens' air is of the highest standard.

The Clean Air Forum, that will take place in Paris on the 16th and 17th of November, will be the occasion for decision makers and stakeholders to share knowledge and assist in the implementation of European, national and local air policies. The Forum will focus on three areas: air quality in cities; agriculture and air quality; and clean air business opportunities.

At the Clean Air Forum, the European Environment Agency will launch the 'European Air Quality Index', designed to inform citizens about air quality levels based on data reported by Member States.

More than 30 speakers from government, industry and non-governmental organisations will share their views on improving air quality. Speakers include: Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries; Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs; Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris; Nicolas Hulot, Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition; Valérie Pécresse, President of the Ile-de-France Region; Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor of London; Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director, European Environment Agency.