Zeybek questions Greek government over air pollution risks in İskeçe
Greek MP Hüseyin Zeybek has submitted a parliamentary question to the Greek government over air pollution in İskeçe (Xanthi), calling for immediate measures to reduce pollutant levels and a long-term monitoring strategy to protect public health.
The parliamentary intervention follows a recent European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment highlighting Greece's air pollution challenges. According to the figures cited in the question, all 14 Greek cities included in the assessment rank among the 30% of European cities with the highest estimated mortality risks associated with air pollution.
İskeçe (Xanthi) ranks 588th among the 761 cities assessed.
EEA ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH RISKS
The ranking is based on population exposure to three major air pollutants during 2024–2025: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3).
PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Nitrogen dioxide is primarily produced by combustion processes, particularly road traffic, while ground-level ozone forms through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Other significant sources of air pollution in Greek cities include domestic heating, particularly wood burning, industrial activities and pollution transported from neighbouring areas.
The EEA assessment combines modelled pollutant concentrations with population distribution and scientific estimates of their health impacts, rather than relying solely on measurements from individual monitoring stations.
CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION AND LONG-TERM MONITORING
In his parliamentary question, Zeybek highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to tackling air pollution, including the electrification of heating systems, stricter controls on industrial emissions, improved public transport and stronger environmental inspections.
He also stressed the importance of continuous air-quality monitoring, publicly accessible pollution data and immediate protective measures for residents when high pollution levels are recorded.
The MP asked the responsible minister what immediate steps the government intends to take to reduce air pollution in İskeçe (Xanthi).
He also requested clarification on whether the ministry has a long-term plan for recording and continuously monitoring air pollutants, making the resulting data publicly available and implementing timely measures to protect residents during periods of elevated pollution.
The parliamentary intervention places air quality and its public health implications on the agenda of the Greek government, with particular attention to the environmental conditions in İskeçe.
