The political battle around the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the recast UWWTD will have yet another chapter. On 18 June, the European Parliament will vote on several motions for a resolution on the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) and risks to the security of supply of medicines.
EurEau welcomes the Joint Motion for a Resolution of Renew, S&D, the Left, and the Greens supporting the implementation of the recast UWWTD and the EPR schemes to cover at least 80% of the costs of micropollutants removal from urban wastewater (so-called quaternary treatment).
However, we regret the Motions for a Resolution tabled by EPP, ECR, PfE and ESN, calling for a stop-the-clock of the EPR provisions. A suspension of EPR will not solve the current discussion on costs of quaternary treatment. It will trigger the worst-case scenario for wastewater operators, competent authorities (mainly local and regional governments) and local businesses, including EU-based pharmaceuticals manufacturers, who will have to bear those extra costs for micropollutants removal, while non EU-based manufacturers won’t.
We urge Members of the European Parliament to support the Joint Motion for a Resolution to allow for a swift and proper implementation of the recast UWWTD, including EPR provisions.