The National Ecological Association (NEA) said on Monday that the Serbian capital had the worst air pollution in Europe.

A press release said that Belgrade, on a list of cities with populations of more than a million, was ranked 1^st in terms of air pollution in Europe by the European Environment Agency. It warned that statement by public officials that Belgrade had the best quality air in Europe were irresponsible.

“Even the 7,500 people who die of air pollution are not enough for state institutions to do something to solve the problem and protect the health of the public,” it said and called for intensive implementation of adequate measures by the state “whose will to act we do not see”.

Environmental organizations have been warning of heavy air pollution in Belgrade for a number of years with the city authorities claiming that air quality was good.