In announcing the sending of a “reasoned opinion” to Portugal - the second and final step in an infringement procedure against a Member State for failure to comply with Community law before referring it to the Court of Justice - the Commission urges the authorities “to protect the population against atmospheric pollution”.

“The national system must reliably measure, inform the public and communicate the severity of air pollution. The limit values ??for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are exceeded in several areas, while the available data show the ineffectiveness of the measures taken to reduce air pollution”, points out the community executive.

The Commission justifies sending a fundamental opinion to Portugal "since the country has not yet fulfilled its obligations".

“Portugal has two months to respond and take the necessary measures to establish the proper functioning of the air pollution control system. If Portugal does not act within two months, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union”, warns Brussels.