Water legislation
UWWTD: amendments avalanche
The deadline for submitting amendments to the Commission’s draft proposal of the UWWTD in the European Parliament was 5 May, with the full report being published on 12 May, encompassing all 1409 amendments tabled.
We submitted our reaction to the Parliament’s report on the proposal and are continuing to work on the compromise amendments.
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Water and agriculture
Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation: compromise lost?
Parliament has launched negotiations on the compromise amendments (CAs). Currently, discussions are focussing on maintenance of equipment, aerial spraying. Unfortunately, the overall approach of many MEPs remains unchanged, and are weakening the SUR as much as possible by making many requirements voluntary.
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Soil Health Law: proposal imminent
The Commission’s proposal, due on 7 June, has been postponed to 5 July 2023. Soil health is crucial for achieving key objectives of the European Green Deal such as climate neutrality, biodiversity restoration, zero pollution, healthy and sustainable food systems and a resilient environment. We participate in the Commission’s Expert Group on the Implementation of the EU Soil Strategy.
Water and the environment
WFD, EQSD and GWD: inching towards a vote
The European Parliament is working through the compromise amendments to the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EQSD) and the Groundwater Directive (GWD). We are communicating with the Parliament on this. You can read our recently published position paper for more.
Pharmaceuticals legislation: Rapporteurs appointed
The Parliament has appointed two Rapporteurs: Pernille Weiss (DK, EPP) for the Directive relating to Medical Products for Human Use, and Tiemo Wölken (DE, S&D) for the Regulation on Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use.
Industrial Emission Directive: plenary vote imminent
The ENVI vote in the European Parliament took place the week of 22 May, with several of the amendments supported by EurEau being both tabled and accepted. The report is set to be voted on by the Plenary on 10 July.
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Microplastics: Commission removes legislative act from agenda
While the REACH restriction on intentionally added microplastics has finally been adopted, the Commission’s legislative proposals on unintentionally released particles, due in spring 2023, are no longer on the Commission’s agenda. They were initially intended to address tyres, textiles, plastic pellets and other emission sources.
Unintentionally released microplastics can enter the aquatic environment through multiple sources and contaminate drinking water resources.
Taxonomy Regulation: Commission consultation on draft delegated acts
Based on the reports from the Sustainable Financing Platform, the Commission developed a draft delegated act on the environment and modified the Climate Delegated Act. EurEau used the four-week public consultation period to submit proposals to improve the screening criteria for drinking water and wastewater services.
The final proposal from the Commission may be published before the summer break.Â
