During the last plenary session before summer recess, one very contentious opinion on the Air Quality Directive was presented to CoR members for adoption. Representing the ECR Group during the debate was Mr Roberto Ciambetti and ENVE Commission member, who has on several occasions, reiterated that the "very ambitious targets in such a short time is totally unfeasible".

Acknowledging that the improvement of air quality and achieving lower concentrations of pollutants is in the interest of all, the President of the Regional Veneto Council, emphasized that the geographic specificities of many European zones will simply not allow them to reach the targets proposed even with "a maximum reduction of emissions".

Recalling the complexity of approving air plans as they affect many different sectors, Mr Ciambetti stated that the Directive should be a "benchmark at least for the medium term" to consider the progress made in recent years. He explained that this would enable the Member States to plan and implement remedial measures that do "not harm the economy, historic buildings and social life in general."

The ENVE Commission member concluded by pleading for more flexibility in the regulation, in particular, for cities or regions who have to "make more effort to control air pollution due to factors beyond their control".