The informative inventory report is an official document submitted by the Slovak Republic, under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) and Directive (EU) 2016/22841 on the reduction of national emissions of certain air pollutants (NECD). The report contains data on 20 mandatory and 6 voluntary air pollutants. The Directive sets emission reduction commitments for five key pollutants: NOx, NMVOC, SOx, NH3 and PM2.5.
NOx emissions have a decreasing trend throughout the whole time series. Although road transport remains the main source of NOx emissions, emissions decreased by 10% year-on-year. Compared to 2005, NOx emissions have decreased by 52%, meaning Slovakia meets its emission reduction commitment set by NEC Directive for the period 2020-2029 and also complies stricter commitment set for 2030 onwards.
NMVOC emissions have also declining trend since 1990. The main sources are industry (35%) and household heating (33%). In 2023, NMVOC emissions from household heating decreased by 16%, mainly due to climatic factors and milder winters. Compared to 2005, NMVOC emissions decreased by 45%, meaning Slovakia meets both commitments set by the NEC Directive.
SOx emissions have decreased significantly since 1990. Compared to 2005, emissions have decreased by 84%. The main reason for the decline are stricter air protection legislation and stricter emission limits. As with NOx and NMVOC, Slovakia meets both emission reduction commitments for SOx set by the NEC Directive.
The agriculture sector and ammonia (NH3) emissions remain among the most critical areas in terms of emission reductions. Since 1990, NH3 emissions have shown a fluctuating trend, mainly due to changes in livestock numbers and the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers to the soil.
PM2.5 emission are strongly influenced by household heating, which accounted for 74% of total PM2.5 emissions in Slovakia in 2023. In 2023, emissions decreased by 16% year-on-year, mainly due to climatic factors and milder winters. Compared to 2005, PM2.5 emissions have decreased by 63%, thus Slovakia meets both emisson reduction commitments under NEC Directive.
In 2023, PCDD/PCDF emissions significantly decreased. Compared to 2022, emissions decreased by 17%, mainly due to technological changes in combustion plants within the manufacturing industry.
Slovakia continues to fulfill its emission reduction commitments set by the NEC Directive. However, the most critical sectors requiring further emission reductions remain road transport and agriculture.