The new law, on which MEPs adopted their position with 69 votes in favour, four against and 15 abstentions, revises the Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive and the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Surface Water Directive). The aim of the revisions is better protecting human health and natural ecosystems from pollutants.

Stricter monitoring of substances

MEPs propose that the “watch list” – which contains substances or groups of substances where there is an indication that they pose a significant risk to human health and the environment – should not be limited to a maximum of substances as proposed by the Commission. This list must, they say, be updated regularly to keep up with new scientific evidence and the fast-evolving pace of emerging new chemicals.

The Environment Committee wants a number of substances to be added to the watch list as soon as suitable monitoring methods are identified, including microplastics, antimicrobial resistant…