The GAINS model and its predecessor, the RAINS model, have been applied to assist key policy negotiations on improving air quality in Europe. These include

under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution:

• the 'Second Sulfur Protocol' in 1994,
• the 'Gothenburg Multi-pollutant/multi-effect Protocol' of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution in 1999,
• the review (2008) and revision of the Gothenburg protocol (ongoing);
  

for the European Union:

• the Acidification Strategy of the European Union in 1995,
  
• the National Emission Ceilings Directive of the European Union in 1999,
  
• the 'Clean Air for Europe' (CAFE) programme developing the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution in 2004,
  
• the revision of the National Emission Ceilings Directive (2007-),
• the Climate and Energy Package (2008-).