Air pollution remains one of Kosovo`s main environmental and public health challenges, the Ombudsman has warned in a report assessing air quality from a human rights perspective.

The report, addressed to the Government and other responsible institutions, cites data from the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency showing that 171 days with exceedances of the daily limit for PM₁₀ particles were recorded in 2025 across the country's monitoring network. Pollution levels were highest during the winter months.

"Air pollution continues to be one of the main environmental and public health challenges in Kosovo," the report states.

The Ombudsman also highlights the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air. According to assessments by the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Children, elderly people and individuals with chronic illnesses are identified as the most vulnerable groups.

The report also points to shortcomings in the implementation of environmental legislation and the functioning of institutional mechanisms.

Among the main concerns are insufficient human and technical capacities for inspections, the need for more advanced air quality monitoring and inadequate coordination between institutions.

Referring to the standards of the European Court of Human Rights, the Ombudsman stresses that public authorities have an obligation to take preventive and effective measures when they are aware of the risks pollution poses to citizens' lives and health.

"The protection of human rights from the consequences of environmental pollution requires the fulfillment of the positive obligations of the state to take preventive and effective measures," the report states.

Following an investigation initiated on its own initiative, the Ombudsman issued recommendations urging responsible institutions to strengthen oversight mechanisms, ensure the implementation of legislation, improve public policies and coordinate efforts to reduce pollution.

The report emphasizes that air quality is not merely an environmental concern but also a human rights issue involving the protection of the rights to life, health and a clean and healthy environment.