![Pollutants in EU waters: Update of chemical substances listed for control [EU Legislation in Progress]](https://i0.wp.com/epthinktank.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/EPRS-Briefing-749772-Surface-water-groundwater-pollutants-FINAL.png?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1)
Written by Vivienne Halleux (3rd edition, updated on 20.12.2024).
As required by EU water legislation, and in line with the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition, on 26 October 2022 the European Commission tabled a proposal to revise the lists of surface water and groundwater pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled for the purpose of protecting EU freshwater bodies and the associated environmental quality standards. The proposal also seeks to remedy shortcomings identified in the current framework as regards chemical pollution in waters, and notably to enable swifter adaptation to scientific knowledge.
Stakeholders expressed mixed views on the proposal. Non-governmental organisations have been pushing for more ambition, for instance on chemical mixtures, pesticides, deadlines, and producers’ responsibility for covering monitoring costs. Industry representatives have meanwhile expressed some concerns, notably about the achievability and scientific grounding of certain new standards.
While Parliament, in its negotiating mandate, seeks to enhance protection of water resources, strengthening standards and asking for additional parameters, the Council position aims to secure maximum flexibility for Member States. Trilogue negotiations are expected to start in early 2025.
Complete version
- December 2024: Pollutants in EU waters: Update of chemical substances listed for control (3rd edition)
| Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council amending Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration and Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy |
| Committee responsible: | Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) | COM(2022) 540 26.10.2022 |
| Rapporteur: | Javi López (S&D, Spain) | 2022/0344(COD) |
| Shadow rapporteurs: | Hildegard Bentele (EPP, Germany) Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE, Spain) Pietro Fiocchi (ECR, Italy) Michal Wiezik (Renew, Slovakia) Kai Tegethoff (Greens/EFA, Germany) Per Clausen (The Left, Denmark) | Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) |
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