Air pollution is often not visible, while in less developed countries people do not pay attention to devastating consequences of the pollution. Serbia is grappling with an air pollution crisis that threatens not only the environment but also the health and well-being of its citizens. This pervasive issue affects every facet of life, from public health and economic stability to the country’s biodiversity. With pollution levels frequently exceeding global safety standards, the urgency to address this silent killer has never been greater.
The State of Air Quality in Serbia
Serbia can be described as a state with very poor air quality with not much interests to improve the dire situation. Several Serbian cities, including Belgrade, Niš, and Bor, frequently top the lists of Europe’s most polluted urban areas. In 2023, Belgrade’s reached hazardous levels on multiple occasions, with PM2.5 concentrations—tiny particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs—exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits by more than 300%.[1] According to IQAir’s 2019 World Air Quality Report[2], Serbia ranked as the 32nd most polluted country globally for PM2.5 pollution, with an annual average concentration of 23.3 µg/m³—more than double the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m³. Belgrade was identified as the most polluted among European cities with over one million inhabitants.
While one may doubt international indexes on air quality, domestic Serbian statistics reinforces the international data. Data from Serbia’s Environmental Protection Agency paints a bleak picture. PM2.5 and PM10 levels regularly breach permissible thresholds, especially during winter months when heating and industrial activities intensify. For instance, PM2.5 levels in Belgrade during January 2023 peaked at 95 µg/m³, far above the EU’s daily limit of 25 µg/m³. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) elevated concentrations are reported near coal-fired power plants, such as those in Obrenovac and Kostolac. These plants emit tens of thousands of tons of SO2 annually, making Serbia one of the highest SO2 emitters in Europe. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) traffic emissions in major cities, particularly in congested urban areas like central Belgrade, contribute significantly to urban air pollution. Average NO2 levels in busy areas often exceed the EU’s annual limit of 40 µg/m³. These discouraging data illustrate the state of play in this area and they bag a strong policy action by the government.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Extended exposure to air pollution can cause serious health implications. At the levels found within Serbia, a by the World Health Organisation estimates that exposure to Serbia’s outdoor air pollution caused 6,592 premature deaths, and 131,183 years of life lost during 2016.[3] Furthermore, the European NGO, Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) that over 1,000 Serbians suffer from chronic bronchitis as a direct result of outdoor air pollution, while 600 are hospitalised as a consequence of respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms. HEAL further estimates that during 2010, a total of more than 10,000 people in Serbia died prematurely as a consequence of exposure to particulate matter and ozone pollution, indicating the second highest amount of premature air pollution-related deaths in Europe.[4] Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are disproportionately affected.
Root Causes of the Problem
Serbia’s air pollution crisis stems from a combination of outdated infrastructure, reliance on coal, and inadequate regulatory enforcement. The country is heavily dependent on coal, which accounts for over 70% of its electricity production. This reliance places Serbia among the top coal-dependent nations in Europe, further exacerbating air pollution challenges. Coal-fired power plants, such as those in Obrenovac and Kostolac, are among the country’s largest contributors to air pollution. These facilities emit significant amounts of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter annually, placing them among Europe’s largest polluters despite modernization efforts.[5] Diversifying energy production from renewable sources is the best solution for addressing this issue, although there are debates on nuclear energy as well.
In addition to industrial emissions, residential heating practices exacerbate the problem, particularly during winter months. An estimated 60% of Serbian households rely on lignite, wood, and other low-quality fuels for heating, contributing significantly to particulate matter emissions. For instance, residential heating alone accounts for over 50% of PM2.5 emissions during the cold season, according to a report by the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency.[6] Many households lack access to cleaner, more efficient heating alternatives, perpetuating this issue and worsening air quality in urban and rural areas alike. There are practices of state subsidies for households to move on green technologies in terms of heating, but the budget is limited and needs substantial increase in order to really make difference.
Industries further compound the crisis by operating without modern pollution control technologies, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. Meanwhile, traffic emissions in urban areas, particularly in cities like Belgrade, play a significant role in elevating nitrogen dioxide levels. The prevalence of older, diesel-powered vehicles intensifies this issue, making urban centers hotspots for air pollution. High transport emissions in Serbia are largely attributed to the country having a relatively old vehicle fleet, with an average car in the country estimated to be 17 years old.[7] A study in Innsbruck found that traffic accounted for more than 80% of NO₂ emissions, with the majority caused by diesel cars.[8] While specific data for Belgrade is limited, similar patterns are likely due to the high number of aging diesel vehicles. Ban on imports of old diesel engines (Euro 3 and 4 standards) can mitigate these issues in the future.
Economic Costs
The economic burden of air pollution in Serbia is staggering. Health-related costs include hospital admissions, lost productivity, and premature deaths. In past years, the debate has started in Serbia regarding workers often using seek days and resulted in stricter procedures for paid leave.[9] Beyond healthcare, air pollution undermines economic productivity. Workers suffering from pollution-related illnesses take more sick days, reducing overall workforce efficiency.
Environmental degradation further compounds these costs. Reduced agricultural yields due to pollution-induced soil and water contamination threaten food security and rural livelihoods. For example, studies have shown that high levels of SO2 and NO2 can damage crops, leading to lower harvests and economic losses for farmers.[10] This creates a spillover effect on other areas as well. Tourism, a growing sector in Serbia, also suffers. Cities like Belgrade and Niš, which are often shrouded in smog, become less attractive to visitors.
Success Stories and Future Prospects
Encouragingly, local initiatives are beginning to yield results. For instance, the city of Šabac has invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Grassroots movements, such as environmental protests in Bor and Smederevo, have successfully pressured authorities to address industrial polluters. Other cities need to follow these positive examples, while the central government should offer its support and prioritize fight against pollution in its policy documents and policy enforcement.
At the national level, Serbia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its participation in the EU accession process provide opportunities to secure funding and technical assistance for environmental improvements. However, these efforts must be accelerated to prevent further health and economic losses. In the current geopolitical developments when wars are raging around the world and in Europe, while at the same time the US are withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, it will be challenging for Serbia to keep focus on environment.
Conclusion
Although not always visible by naked eye, air pollution is widespread and spills over from health of people to economy, tourism and other interconnected sectors. Therefore, Serbia needs to tackle root causes of the pollution – coal-run power plants, outdated polluting industries, widespread usage of old diesel cars and residential heating practices. Air pollution is not merely an environmental necessity but a moral imperative to safeguard the health and future of its citizens – and a cleaner, healthier Serbia is an achievable goal that demands immediate and sustained action from all levels of society.
[1] IQAir. “Air Quality in Serbia”. https://www.iqair.com/serbia.
[2] IQAir. “2019 World Air Quality Report“. https://www.iqair.com/dl/pdf-reports/2019-World-Air-Report-V8-20200318.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqGP7t2Bppl_UTnZ2XoOWFklcllKpfLSfzwD7o5kN1ljdzaSclU. 2020.
[3] World Health Organisation. “Health impact of ambient air pollution in Serbia”. United Nations Serbia website, 2019.
[4] Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL). “Air Pollution & Health in Serbia”. HEAL website, December, 2014.
[5] World Health Organisation. “Health impact of ambient air pollution in Serbia”. United Nations Serbia website, 2019.
[6] ENVAP (Republic of Serbia Ministry of Environmental Protection). “ENVAP Fact Sheet on Air Quality”. Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website, n.d.
[7] Reuters. “Belgrade joins world’s most polluted cities as farmers torch fields”. Reuters, October 24, 2019.
[8] University of Innsbruck. “NOx: Traffic Dramatically Underestimated as Major Polluter”. https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/newsroom/2017/nox-traffic-dramatically-underestimated-as-major-polluter/. 2017.
[9] Iva Gajić & Mina Manojlović, “Strah od bolovanja u Srbiji”. https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/retko-na-bolovanje-srbija/32673319.html. Radio Slobodna Evropa. 2023.
[10] Shakil Ahmed. “Air pollution and its impact on agricultural crops in developing countries – A review”. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 25(3 Supp. 2) 2015 Special Issue Page: 297-302ISSN: 1018-7081.
