Air pollution continues to pose a serious threat to public health across the European Union, despite significant improvements in air quality over recent years. A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that although premature deaths linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) fell by 57 per cent between 2005 and 2023, unsafe air pollution levels still caused an estimated 182,000 deaths in 2023.

Around 95 per cent of urban Europeans are exposed to pollution levels above World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and, according to emerging evidence, dementia.

Among EU member states, Italy was the most affected country in 2023, recording 43,083 deaths attributable to high PM2.5 exposure. This corresponds to 100.6 attributable deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and a total of 407,949 years of life lost (YLL)—a stark measure of the years people could have lived had they not died prematurely due to pollution-related diseases.

Against this backdrop, the Princess Camilla of Bourbon Charitable Foundation, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, is committed to bringing the issue of air pollution and its health consequences to the forefront of public and political debate. The Foundation seeks to raise awareness among governments and international institutions, urging the adoption of stricter, health-centred environmental protocols and policies. Its aim is to promote coordinated action to protect the health of citizens in Italy and around the world, recognising clean air not only as an environmental objective, but as a fundamental right essential to human dignity, well-being and future generations.