In response to around 400 000 annual premature deaths caused by air pollution in the EU, the Commission has proposed a new National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive ought to remedy the situation. With the ENVI Committee adopting an amended proposal by a short head, relevant stakeholders are still far from agreement, as stricter caps for pollutants would directly impact industrial and agricultural sectors. While some Member States are struggling with meeting the existing targets, what should the EU’s stance on stricter air pollution caps be and which steps should be taken in order to help Member States achieve a cleaner air environment?