The European Union has reached a political agreement on updating its water pollution rules. According to negotiators, the deal aims to modernize monitoring systems and include more pollutants on the EU’s watch list.
However, environmental organizations warned that the compromise comes at a cost. They argue that some existing safeguards have been weakened, making it harder to ensure the high level of water protection previously guaranteed under EU law.
Key elements of the agreement include the expansion of the list of hazardous substances subject to monitoring, such as pharmaceuticals and PFAS chemicals. At the same time, the timeframe for member states to implement stricter measures has been extended, which critics say risks delaying meaningful action.
Supporters of the deal highlighted that the revision was long overdue and reflects scientific progress in identifying pollutants. They stressed that better data collection and harmonized monitoring will help member states respond more effectively to water contamination.
The outcome now awaits formal approval by both the European Parliament and the Council. Environmental NGOs have already called on lawmakers to revisit the concessions, warning that the EU’s commitment to clean water and biodiversity could be undermined.
