First Update of Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

CONSULTATION BRIEF

 Start date: 05 June 2026

Closing date: 17 July 2026

Title of the public consultation: First Update of Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour

Entity: Environment & Resources Authority (ERA)

 

  1. Background

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, has prepared an updated National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP). This programme is required under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 (the NEC Directive) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, which has been transposed into national legislation through S.L. 549.124 on the Limitation of Emissions of Certain Atmospheric Pollutants Regulations.

The NAPCP is the principal governance tool under the NEC Directive, supporting Member States in the formulation of policies and measures. These are selected based on the following objectives:

  • To reduce air pollutant emissions in order to achieve compliance with the national emission reduction commitments for 2020 and 2030, as set out in Annex II of the NEC Directive, for the following pollutants:
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
  • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
  • Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds (nmVOCs)
  • Ammonia (NH3)
  • Fine Particulate Matter (PM5)
  • To contribute to the improvement of air quality and compliance with limit values established under the Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC).
  • To identify and maximise potential synergies to ensure coherence with other relevant plans and programmes, including those related to climate, energy, agriculture, industry and transport, while avoiding conflicts with other policies and measures in other sectors.

Historical emissions inventory data and ambient air quality data were used to assess progress achieved to date. Moreover, emission projections were developed for the year 2030 under two policy scenarios:

  • the “With Measures” or baseline scenario, based on implemented, adopted and committed policies and measures as of the end of 2021, and
  • the “With Additional Measures” scenario, reflecting planned policies and measures.

This assessment indicates that the transport sector is the main source of NOx emissions in Malta. In this context, the NAPCP outlines a number of measures targeting emissions from various sectors, with a particular focus on transport.

 

  1. Consultation

In line with Article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these draft regulations could be amended.

 

  1. Documents

First Update of Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP)

 

  1. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected] by 17 July 2026.

 

  1. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.