The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Klima-Agence and 36 Luxembourg municipalities, has completed its sixth annual national nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) monitoring campaign.
Conducted from 3 January to 18 December 2024, the study measured NO₂ – a key traffic-related pollutant – at 130 locations nationwide.
As in previous years, no monitoring site exceeded the limit of 40µg/m³.
The highest reading, recorded in Echternach (32µg/m³), remained well below this threshold. Notably, most locations already meet the stricter 2030 European standard of 20µg/m³.
A downward trend in average NO₂ levels has been observed since 2018. This improvement stems from multiple factors, including the modernisation of vehicle fleets, increased adoption of electric vehicles, the implementation of EURO standards, and the sustained practice of partial remote work.
The data revealed clear seasonal patterns, with a peak in pollution levels during the second half of January due to unfavourable weather conditions such as low winds, thermal inversions, and minimal rainfall. Conversely, the lowest concentrations were recorded in late August during the school holidays, when traffic volumes dropped significantly.
The most affected areas remain urban centres and major roads, particularly in southern Luxembourg and some eastern border towns.
The most recent campaign included eight supplementary measurement points to enhance coverage, with new locations in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Remich, Wiltz, and Beidweiler.
Luxembourg City, which has its own monitoring network, remains a key player in local surveillance.
While current results confirm compliance with EU standards, they also underscore the need for continued efforts – particularly in locations yet to achieve the future 20µg/m³ target. These findings align with the National Air Quality Plan and the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive adopted in November 2024.
