In June 2025, Belgrade and the wider Balkan region faced a severe environmental challenge due to extremely high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the air. This was caused by volcanic emissions from Mount Etna.
The pollution surge significantly exceeded safe limits, posing a serious health risk to the population. The World Health Organization recommends that SO2 concentrations in the air should not exceed 40 μg/m³ for a 24-hour average.
However, Belgrade recorded a concentration of 71.88 mg/m², nearly 1,800 times the safe limit. Given the timing of the Etna eruption in June 2025, it is likely that the high SO2 concentrations in Belgrade are linked to this event.
To reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, a flue gas desulfurization plant at the Nikola Tesla A thermal power plant in Obrenovac began trial operation in April 2024. This is part of an environmental project valued at 215 million euros.
Given the current high SO2 concentrations in the air, citizens are advised to reduce movement, avoid staying outdoors, and follow the instructions of the relevant institutions.