Every day, around 1,000 people die prematurely in the EU due to air pollution, according to a European Court of Auditors report released last year. In Europe, the annual death toll of about half a million people lands.

Most of these premature deaths could have been prevented, says WHO, who now lists air pollution at the top of the biggest threats to our health. In Europe, the situation is worst in the East.

Countries in the east more doubtful

Cities in former Yugoslavia often top European lists of places with the worst air. There are also 16 coal-fired power plants that are expensive across Europe for both money and human life. According to the Health and Environment Alliance, Heal, the 16 coal power plants are responsible for 3,900 deaths and 8,500 cases of bronchitis in children annually.

There are many reasons why the iron curtain remains when it comes to emissions and air quality, says Anna Engleryd at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Countries in the East have generally been more reluctant to sign binding agreements to reduce their emissions.

- This is largely due to uncertainty about how much you actually emit and from which sources, and also uncertainty about future emissions development. In addition, energy poverty is an important issue in many countries, as you do not want to commit to a protocol that says you cannot fire with anything to heat your house.

Swedes have little to worry about

More than 7,000 Swedes die annually due to air pollution, but our air is generally good and most people do not have to worry about their health. Nevertheless, we have an interest in other countries reducing their emissions. A large part of our air pollution comes from other European countries, even outside the EU.

- There is a lot of ignorance about how countries in our part of the world affect each other. Air pollution knows no land borders and it is not really possible for any country in Europe to solve their air pollution problems themselves, says Anna Engleryd.