- Updated lists of pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled
- Watch lists of substances of emerging concern
- Tighter concentration limits for pollutants
On Thursday, MEPs gave the final green light to new measures aimed at reducing groundwater and surface waters pollution and improving EU water quality standards.
The legislation updates the lists of pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled, by adding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”), pharmaceuticals (such as painkillers), industrial substances and pesticides.
Several pollutants already included will now be subject to tighter environmental quality standards.
The new measures also put a stronger focus on substances of emerging concern, such as microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators.
According to the second reading rules, the President announced in plenary that the proposed act was deemed adopted (following the deal reached last year between the co–legislators and the text already adopted by Council).
Quote
Rapporteur Javi López (S&D, ES) said: “Europe is facing a water crisis, with droughts, floods and chemical pollution putting increasing pressure on our resources. These new measures give us stronger tools to respond: updated pollutant standards, the inclusion of new substances, better monitoring and reporting of data, and a stronger focus on emerging pollutants. It is a decisive step towards cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and the protection of human health across the Union.”
Next steps
The law will now be signed by both co-legislators, ahead of its publication in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication. EU countries will have until 21 December 2027 to make their national rules comply with the provisions of this directive.
Background
In line with the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition, the Commission tabled a proposal in October 2022 to revise the lists of surface water and groundwater pollutants that need to be monitored and controlled to protect the EU’s freshwater bodies. The new legislation updates the Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive and the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Surface Water Directive).
26.03.2026.
SOURCE
European Parliament
