Long-range transboundary air pollution: sulphur emissions. Protocol to the 1979 EEC-UN Convention

OBJECTIVE: The proposal for a Decision concerns conclusion by the Community of the Protocol on further reductions of sulphur emissions to the 1979 UN ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. It is part of a range of measures to combat acidification (acid rain) and certain atmospheric pollution problems resulting from the presence of sulphurous anhydride and suspended particles. SUBSTANCE: The proposal is submitted at the same time as a proposal for a Directive aiming to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from certain liquid fuels (SYN97105), accompanied by a Commission Communication on a Community strategy to combat acidification which provides for a range of measures to bring about a substantial reduction by 2010 in the areas of the Union in which the ecosystem tolerance threshold is exceeded. The Commission proposes a Council Decision that the Union ratify the second Protocol of 14 June 1997 to the UN ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. The aim of the Protocol, which the EU has already signed, is to reduce annual sulphur emissions by the contracting parties, to set limits for emissions and in the long term to ensure that deposits of oxidized sulphur compounds do not exceed critical levels. The Fifth Community Environmental Action Programme has the same long-term objective. �