Background The accurate assessment of the atmospheric pollution loading in European regions is necessary to comply with EU atmospheric pollution legislation (Framework Directive 96/62/EC and its daughter directives). This need became even more pressing following recent policy developments at Community level, in particular the Environment and Health Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Countering Climate Change. An objective and scientifically rigorous method for air pollution assessment should be the basis for cost-effective pollution abatement strategies, and would contribute directly to the Thematic Strategy for Air Pollution, one of seven thematic strategies promised in the Sixth Environment Action Programme (2002-2012). Objectives The project’s overall objective was to develop an integrated system for the efficient assessment, monitoring and management of air pollution in West Macedonia a region where the country’s main lignite-fired power plants are located. A sophisticated satellite-assisted management of air quality – the ‘SMAQ’ system, which assimilates ground based measurements with satellite retrieved data, would be developed and adapted to the specific needs of West Macedonia. An additional aim was to promote the transferability of the SMAQ system to areas other than West Macedonia, by for example, targeting some of its dissemination actions at other European air pollution “hot spots”, in particular of the new Member States of the EU-27. Results The project achieved its objectives. Its main results are summarised as follows: A comprehensive registry of data concerning air pollution, emission sources, emission intensity, population density and vulnerability to toxic air pollutants was compiled. A geo-referenced database covering these parameters was also compiled. The project developed a detailed, up-to-date emissions inventory for all key pollutants in the West Macedonia region, focusing primarily on NOx, SO2, PM10, and O3. This was also geo-referenced to support atmospheric modelling of key pollutants and assimilation of satellite data with ground-based data. An integrated environmental information management system was created. The work included developing specialised modules, estimation of data fusion model and the review and assessment of the transferability of the integrated information system to settings other than the W. Macedonia (project area), with emphasis on air pollution “hot spots” in particular of the new Member States of the EU-27. A training package for the operation of the SMAQ system was prepared: Three regional training seminars for experts (operators in air pollution and public health management authorities, NGOs, the academic community) were organised – two in Greece, in Kozani and Thessaloniki and one in Budapest, Hungary. The air quality monitoring network was optimised combining satellite-derived air pollution information with bioindicators of atmospheric pollution and population-related data as indicators of environmental and human health impact respectively. On the basis of this analysis, a spatial reconfiguration of the air quality monitoring network in West Macedonia was proposed to the local competent authorities (the prefectures of Kozani and Florina). Environmental and human exposures to air toxicants were assessed through field campaigns using biological sensors and personal monitors respectively. This information was coupled with air pollution distribution maps to indicate human exposure and human health impacts of air pollution in West Macedonia.The above data was used for the development of pollution reduction scenarios targeting three main sectors: (1) the thermal power plants of the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) – the country’s biggest electric power company; (2) People’s behaviour and awareness, aiming at reducing exposure through behavioural changes; and (3) the use of de-pollution technology in paints and other building materials. Importantly, one of the main desulphurisation processes proposed by the SMAQ project (the so-called ‘Wet Process’, using limestone as absorbing medium of flue gases) is currently favoured by the PPC for implementation in its proactive flue gas desulphurisation initiative not only for its W. Macedonia lignite-fired power plants, but also in the rest of Greece. Finally, the project carried out various local, regional and trans-national dissemination activities. As well as events/ workshops organised in Kozani and Thessaloniki (Greece), Budapest (Hungary) and Venice (Italy), information leaflets were published in Greek, English, Italian, Hungarian and Czech. Several scientific papers were also published. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).