You might want to skip these European countries on your next trip. Here's why

Air pollution is a major public health threat in Europe, with some regions facing higher risks than others. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) lowered its air quality guidelines, highlighting the dangers of nitrogen dioxide and fine part...

By ET Online | Jan 12, 2025, 01.28 PM IST

Planning a trip to Europe? You may want to reconsider visiting these countries due to the serious public health threat of air pollution. Some regions of Europe face far higher pollution risks than others, making them less ideal destinations for travellers.

In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated its air quality guidelines, lowering the recommended threshold for annual concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) such as dust, smoke, and soot from exhaust.

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Overall, exposure to PM2.5 caused about 239,000 premature deaths in Europe in 2021, while another 48,000 people died as a result of nitrogen dioxide exposure, according to the European Environment Agency.

Currently, all EU countries report nitrogen dioxide levels above WHO-recommended levels, but some are hit harder by air pollution than others.

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North Macedonia suffers the most deaths from pollution, followed by Serbia. And neighbouring Albania, Bulgaria and Montenegro all have too high scores, according to a recent report from the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Northern Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic have seen elevated rates of PM2.5 mortality, which is mostly driven by residential sources, like burning coal to heat homes and the agricultural sector.

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Meanwhile, NO2 mortality – which is mainly driven by car traffic and the industrial sector – was highest in major and capital cities in western and southern Europe.

In December, stricter air quality rules came into force that aim to bring the European Union closer to WHO standards by 2030, and oblige member states to monitor pollutants like fine particulate matter, black carbon, and ammonia.

The plan is "one of the biggest public health interventions for a generation," Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, director of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health’s urban planning, environment, and health initiative, told Euronews Health.

Top 10 non-Schengen countries you can visit with a Schengen visa

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A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows access to 31 countries within the Schengen Zone, but its benefits extend beyond Europe. Several countries offer entry to Indian travellers with this visa. However, it's important to be aware of the fine print, as visa regulations can change unexpectedly—so always verify with the relevant embassy before you travel.