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On 15 and 16 October 2026, air quality professionals gathered for a seminar entitled “Air Quality Management at District Offices and the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate (SIŽP)”. Representatives of the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic, the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate, regional district offices and district offices discussed the current state of air quality management in Slovakia, the challenges they face in carrying out their responsibilities and opportunities to improve cooperation. The meeting of air protection authorities was initiated by the LIFE Populair project.

On 28 August 2026, the District Office in Žilina published a new Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the Žilina Region air quality zone. This strategic document establishes a comprehensive framework of measures aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and achieving consistently good air quality in the long term.

The Emissions and Biofuels Department presented its work in the field of air quality at this year’s Agrokomplex exhibition as part of the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI) stand. Among other exhibits, visitors showed particular interest in a new, simple and affordable prototype sensor for measuring particulate matter, developed as part of the LIFE Populair project.

7 September is the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. This year’s global campaign highlights not only the health and environmental benefits of improving air quality, but also the economic importance of measures to tackle air pollution. Effective and targeted action requires a clear understanding of air quality, pollution sources and conditions in high-risk areas.

Slovakia breathes cleaner air than before. This is confirmed by the results of air quality monitoring for 2025. Despite this, many locations would no longer comply with the new European rules today. The reason is simple: the air is not changing, but the way it is assessed. What we have previously considered satisfactory air quality may not be sufficient from a health protection perspective.

Experts from Slovakia and Poland discussed the possibilities of improving air quality, reducing energy poverty and supporting sustainable energy solutions during a three-day study tour of the LIFE project “Subcarpathian – Live and Breathe”. Representatives of the Ministry of Environment and the LIFE Populair project from the Prešov region were also present.

Air quality in Slovakia has been improving over the long term. This is confirmed by the latest Air Quality Report of the Slovak Republic for 2025, published by the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI). Monitoring and modelling results show that concentrations of several air pollutants continue to decline across most of the country. However, air quality remains poor in some regions, particularly during the heating season and in areas affected by intensive traffic and industrial activity.

An air quality improvement programme (AQIP) is a strategic planning tool that is developed for a zone and agglomeration in which the concentration of a pollutant exceeds the limit or target value for the protection of human health and vegetation. In a zone or agglomeration where the limit or target value is exceeded, the district office in the regional seat shall develop an AQIP with the aim of achieving and maintaining good air quality in the long term through the measures taken.

The renovation of family houses under the Obnov dom program continues. Parliament has approved legislative changes that will allow the redirection of 186 million euros from the Modernization Fund to the renovation of at least 16,000 family houses of households at risk of energy poverty.

Air quality is one of the key factors that affect our health and the quality of life in the region. In accordance with the obligations arising from the applicable legislation, the Žilina District Office, in cooperation with professional institutions, has developed the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) for the Žilina Region zone. The public now has the opportunity to comment on the strategic document.