Establishing a nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission control area in the Mediterranean

Question for written answer E-000548/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Carola Rackete (The Left) Subject: Establishing a nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission control area in the Mediterranean As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission promised to act on its zero-pollution, biodiversity and climate neutrality visions for port cities and maritime transport. This includes creating emission control areas (ECAs) for sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in all EU waters, including in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2022, the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization adopted amendments to designate the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an ECA for SOx and particulate matter, under Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. NOx emissions from shipping are a significant threat to human health, the environment and the climate. The Commission estimates that they cause 50 000 premature deaths in Europe annually. 1. Can the Commission please provide the latest update on its work in relation to the establishment of an NOx emission control area (NECA) in the Mediterranean in the light of the fact that the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP24) to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols will take place in Egypt in December 2025? 2. Can the Commission outline the next steps needed to establish a NECA covering...