Skopje, 13 December 2024 (MIA) - Representatives from the O2 Initiative proposed a ban on import of vehicles older than 10 years and those below the EURO 5 standard, and a restriction on the import of new ones with a minimal EURO 6 standard. Speaking at Friday's press conference in front of the Government, they said an official request, supported by several civil society organizations, will be sent today to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia.

"In order to reduce the high and life-threatening air pollution in the country, the cause for a series of diseases and mortality among the population, in view of the announced lower taxes on carbon dioxide emissions and the reduction of the value added tax on car imports from 2025, we ask that import on vehicles older than 10 years and those below the EURO 5 standard be banned in the country, and the import of new vehicles should be with a minimum EURO 6 standard. The decision will take effect on 01.01.2025," the petition states.

It is noted that vehicles, especially older ones, emit over 200 toxic chemical compounds.

"These vehicles, especially those with larger mileage, in addition to the increased emission of PM particles that active proinflammatory and carcinogenic pathways in the body and other harmful gas emission, release extremely toxic hydrocarbons, including gas, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and benzo(a)pyrene. These are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic substances are very harmful to people's health, especially children," the Initiative stressed.

Citizens walking or cycling along vehicles, or waiting at pedestrian crossings, are most exposed to these toxic substances.

"Children are especially exposed, as these emissions are released at the same height as their faces where they are directly inhaled. Protecting public health must come first. In the region, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro have implemented such measures," the Initiative explained.

The petition aims to reduce the high and life-threatening air pollution in the country, the causer of a series of diseases and mortality among the population.

"This aspect is actualized with the announced lower taxes on carbon dioxide emissions and the reduction of the value added tax on car imports from 2025," the 02 Initiative noted.

Tatjana Chakulev from O2 told the media that the demand will be submitted today, supported by 10 civil organizations and initiatives.

According to O2 representative Eli Pesheva this does not mean that they're not thinking about citizens' well-being or that they are trying to cut them off from the only means of transport in the city.

"We also ask authorities, especially the Government, although we know that it is not all under its jurisdiction, but there are shared interventions with municipalities and other institutions, we must find a way to regulate public transport,” Pesheva stressed, adding that the surrounding states operate on the basis of public transport that does not pollute- electric buses.

She clarified that they're not isolating taxi drivers, and that no one should receive pardon on the topic of pollution; but that this is just part of the problem.

"We absolutely believe that the competent ministry and Government, including municipalities, must start solving these issues point-by-point. The O2 initiative both individually and with other related civil organizations, have submitted demands and offered solutions a few times now. Therefore, there is no excuse that they don't know where to start or that there is no way to start,” she noted.

Another O2 representative, Tatjana Stojanova, said that imports must be controlled.

"We absolutely respect that the Government want to ensure economic benefits for the citizens through this measure, by allowing import of cheaper vehicles. But, imports must be controlled, because air pollution is a huge problem here and functions in all segments. This is one of the segments that directly affect air pollution," Stojanovska explained. ssh/ba/

Photo: MIA