Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Abdilaqim Ademi, Chargé d'Affairs of the EU Delegation to Macedonia, Robin Liddell, and Centar Municipality Mayor Vladimir Todorovic put into use an air quality monitoring station in Skopje downtown on Wednesday.

According to Minister Ademi, the purpose of the monitoring stations is to follow the state of air quality. Similar station has been set in Karpos municipality, totaling 17 nationwide, whereas another three are planned in eastern Macedonia.

"The air quality depends on weather conditions, with indicators rising in autumn and winter, but within the normal limits", said Ademi, adding that cars and construction sites are the biggest polluters.

EU official Liddell stressed the issue of environment protection is important, but also a difficult one that cannot be solved overnight.

"This is a long-term effort in which we should all contribute. Let's not drive old vehicles that pollute, let's not smoke, let's do everything to protect the environment", said Liddell.

He added that air quality monitoring and amendments to regulations move the country towards the highest European standards, whereas the activities involve the Government, the municipalities and all citizens.

Mayor Todorovic said the air quality monitoring station means a lot in the environment protection field.

"If air pollution exceeds the allowed limit, the municipality and the Ministry of Environment can undertake measures of reducing the number of vehicles in the downtown", emphasized Todorovic.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Abdilaqim Ademi, Chargé d'Affairs of the EU Delegation to Macedonia, Robin Liddell, and Centar Municipality Mayor Vladimir Todorovic put into use an air quality monitoring station in Skopje downtown on Wednesday.

According to Minister Ademi, the purpose of the monitoring stations is to follow the state of air quality. Similar station has been set in Karpos municipality, totaling 17 nationwide, whereas another three are planned in eastern Macedonia.

"The air quality depends on weather conditions, with indicators rising in autumn and winter, but within the normal limits", said Ademi, adding that cars and construction sites are the biggest polluters.

EU official Liddell stressed the issue of environment protection is important, but also a difficult one that cannot be solved overnight.

"This is a long-term effort in which we should all contribute. Let's not drive old vehicles that pollute, let's not smoke, let's do everything to protect the environment", said Liddell.

He added that air quality monitoring and amendments to regulations move the country towards the highest European standards, whereas the activities involve the Government, the municipalities and all citizens.

Mayor Todorovic said the air quality monitoring station means a lot in the environment protection field.

"If air pollution exceeds the allowed limit, the municipality and the Ministry of Environment can undertake measures of reducing the number of vehicles in the downtown", emphasized Todorovic.