EU Activity Tracker
| Title | EU initiative | Headlines and caveats | Information | Related EurEau publications | Next steps | Active / Inactive | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BWD |
Bathing Water Directive Priority level: High |
Requires MS to monitor and assess BW for at least two |
|
Evaluation Report published in March 2025 |
Active |
12.03.25 | |
|
CLP |
Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation - aka: CLP (part of the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability) EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium |
The CLP introduces new hazard classes (PMT, vPvM, ED) for chemical substances and mixtures. |
|
Co-decision finalised. Final act published in the . |
Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
|
CAP |
Common Agricultural Policy aka: CAP (2021/2115) EC lead: DG Agri Priority level: Meduim-high |
One goal is help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources |
|
PP on Water and Agriculture (2017) BN Cooperation projects between water operators and farmers (2020) Position paper on the revision of the CAP (2018) |
Approved Application from 2023 |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
|
CEA |
Circular Economy Act EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium |
The CEA should reshape how industries use resources, reduce waste, and compete globally. It might override part of the Sewage sludge directive. |
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|
Publication expected 2026 |
Active |
15.01.25 |
|
CERD |
Resilience of Critical Entities Directive - aka: CERD 2020/829 EC lead: DG HOME D.2 Priority level: Medium-level |
To create a framework to ensure that critical entities are able to prevent, resist, absorb and recover from disruptive incidents (natural hazards, accidents, terrorism, insider threats, health emergencies). DW and WW covered. |
|
EurEau Background Note (2023) |
Directive approved. National implementation by 17/10/2024 |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
|
Corporate Sustainability Reporting |
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive aka: CSRD Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive aka: CSDDD EurEau Lead: TF SFR EC Lead: DG FISMA - Unit C.1 Priority level: Medium-Low |
Corporate sustainability reporting: EU rules require large companies and listed companies to publish regular reports on the social and environmental risks they face, and on how their activities impact people and the environment. This helps investors, civil society organisations, consumers and other stakeholders to evaluate the sustainability performance of companies, as part of the European Green Deal. |
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Active |
28.04.2025 |
|
Detergents Regulation |
Detergents Regulation |
Establishes common rules to enable detergents and surfactants to be sold and used across the EU, while providing a high degree of protection to the environment and human health. |
|
n/a |
Trilogue started end of January 2025 |
Active |
12.02.25 |
|
DWD - MCDW |
Drinking Water Directive - Secondary legislation: materials in contact with drinking water (MCDW) |
Sets the minimum requirements for water intended for human consumption in the EU, such as microbiological and chemical parameters, consumer information and access to water. |
Delegated and Implementing Acts by COM 23/01/2024 of the DWD |
|
Published in the OJ 23/04/2024 |
Active |
17.09.24 |
|
DWD 2020 - inactive |
Drinking Water Directive - aka DWD EC lead: DG Envi C Priority level: Very high |
Improve the quality of DW and provide greater access and information to citizens |
|
Positon Paper w explanatory memorandum |
Approved. National transposition by mid-January 2023 Secondary legislation pending |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
|
DWD - MicroPlastics |
Drinking Water Directive - Secondary legislation: Analysis methods for microplastics in DW |
Sets the minimum requirements for water intended for human consumption in the EU, such as microbiological and chemical parameters, consumer information and access to water. |
of the DWD |
|
Published in the OJ 21/05/2024 |
Active |
17.09.24 |
|
ELD |
Environmental Liability Directive aka: ELD |
The ELD establishes a framework based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle to prevent and remedy environmental damage. |
|
EurEau reaction to the public consultation. |
COM report on 2023 evaluation report pending. |
Active |
17.09.24 |
|
ESPR |
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation |
The ESPR replaces and extends the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC in two ways. In addition to energy-related products it covers virtually all physical products. It reinforces the range of ecodesign requirements relating to durability, circularity and the overall reduction of the environmental and climate footprint of products. A transitional regime is set for certain product groups, like water pumps that are governed by Implementing Regulation 547/2012. |
|
n/a |
ESPR entered into force on 18 July 2024 In February 2025 launch of Ecodesign Expert Group |
Active |
12.02.25 |
|
General Product Safety Regulation |
General Product Safety Regulation |
Businesses should only sell products which are safe, and inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply. They also have to make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced. Does not apply to food. |
|
n/a |
Final published in the Official Journal. |
Inactive |
14.04.25 |
|
IED |
Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) |
The IED aims to achieve a high level of protection of human health and the environment taken as a whole by reducing harmful industrial emissions, in particular through better application of Best Available Techniques (BAT). |
|
PP on Enabling the circular economy for sewage sludge |
Published in the OJ on 15/07/2024 |
Inactive |
27.01.25 |
|
IEPR |
Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation 166/2006 Formerly: European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register aka: E-PRTR |
EU-wide portal of environmental data on large industrial facilities incl. WWTP above 100,000 PE. It includes data on annual mass releases to air / water / land, as well as off-site transfers of waste and pollutants in WW. Close links exist with the IED. |
|
n/a |
Published in the OJ on 02/05/2024 |
Inactive |
17.09.24 |
|
INSPIRE |
Infrastructure for spatial information aka: INSPIRE Directive |
Establishes an infrastructure for spatial information environmental policies, etc. which may have an impact on the environment. EurEau aims to limit public access to sensitive data and improve coherence with DWD, UWWTD, EID, PRTR. |
|
COM legislative proposal in Q4 2025 |
Active |
30.04.25 | |
|
Marine SFD |
Marine Strategy Framework Directive aka: MSFD |
Better protect the marine environment across Europe |
|
Proposal postponed |
Inactive |
18.09.24 | |
|
MFF 2028-2034 |
Multiannual Financial Framework EurEau lead: EU3 EC lead: DG BUDG Priority level: Medium |
The MFF dictates EU spending priorities for seven years and determines how funds are allocated across sectors, regions, and policy areas. |
|
Feedback to Commission MFF legislative proposal |
Active |
08.05.25 | |
|
Microplastics |
Measures to reduce the impact of unintentionally released microplastics on the environment Regulation |
Tackles MP focusing on labelling, standardisation, certification and regulatory measures for the main sources. Improves science on the risks and occurrence in the environment, tap water and food, and reduce pollution and health risks. |
|
Trilogue started end of January 2025 |
Active |
12.02.25 | |
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NIS2 |
Security of Network and Information Systems Directive - aka: NIS II 2016/1148 Background EC lead: DG CNECT H.2 Priority level: Medium-high |
Sets a range of network and information security requirements which apply to operators of essential services (including DW and WW operators) and digital service providers |
|
EurEau Background Note (2023) |
Directive approved. National implementation by 17/10/2024 |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
|
Nitrates |
Nitrates Directive |
Aims to protect water quality across Europe by preventing nitrates from agricultural sources that pollute ground and surface waters. |
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Active |
18.09.24 |
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Pharma |
Pharmaceuticals legislation Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use Regulation 726/2004 on Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing EMA EurEau lead committee: EU1 |
The legal framework for human medicines sets standards to ensure a high level of public health protection and the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines. It promotes the functioning of the internal market, with measures to encourage innovation. A medicinal product requires a marketing authorisation by the competent authorities before being placed on the market. |
|
First reading position adopted in Parliament, in preparation in Council |
Active |
18.09.24 | |
|
Public Procurement Directives |
Concessions Directive Public Procurement Directive Utilities Directive EurEau lead: EU3 Priority level: Medium |
EU law sets out minimum public procurement rules and govern the way public authorities and certain public utility operators in the EU purchase goods, works and services above a certain value. |
|
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Evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives Q3 2025 |
Active |
07.03.25 |
|
REACH |
REACH Regulation |
REACH aims to ensure a health protection,assess the safety of chemicals and promote innovation and competitiveness. The revision wants to 'simplify' the Regulation and 'provide clarity on PFAS'. |
|
BN on Moving forward on PMT and vPvM substances EurEau response to Chemical’s Strategy for Sustainability EurEau Briefing Note on Microplastics and the Water Sector Zero Pollution Action Plan - EurEau recommendations Briefing Note on Sludge and the circular economy – the impact of PFAS Briefing Note on PFAS and Waste Water Briefing note on PFAS and drinking water Briefing note on Moving Forward on PMT and vPvM Substances Position Paper - Bisphenol-A and drinking water PFAS phase-out: a Pre-requisite for a Water Resilient Europe |
Intentionally added microplastics: Published and in force PFAS in Firefighting foams: Restriction added to annex XV Universal PFAS restriction: ECHA proposal end of 2026 All bisphenols: Proposal to ECHA withdrawn. New proposal to be submitted. COM proposal for revised REACH: Q4/2025 |
Active |
14.04.25 |
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RoHS |
Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive |
EU rules restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to protect the environment and public health. |
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No revision planned Deadline for submission of request for exemption renewal for UV Hg Lamps 24/08/2025 |
Active |
10.02.25 |
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SSD |
Sewage Sludge Directive - aka: SSD EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium-low |
Seeks to encourage the use of SS in agriculture and to regulate its use in such a way as to prevent harmful effects on soil, vegetation, animals and man. It prohibits the use of untreated sludge on agricultural land unless it is injected or incorporated into the soil. |
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External BN on sludge management PP on Enabling the circular economy for sewage sludge |
Revision not before 2025 |
Active |
26.09.24 |
|
Soil health law |
Soil health Law NEW: Soil Monitoring & Resilience Directive
EurEau lead: EU1 Priority level: Medium-high |
Aims as stated in the EU soil strategy for 2030: - specify the conditions for a healthy soil; |
|
Trilogue agreement reached on 9 April 2025, awaiting confirmation votes in Parliament and Council |
Active |
14.04.25 | |
|
Sust. Food Systems |
Sustainable Food Systems Regulation
EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium-low |
Aims to make the EU food system sustainable. |
|
|
COM proposal postponed to an unknown date |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
|
SUR (Pesticides) |
Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive - aka: SUD - aka: New: Regulation: SUR 2009/128 EurEau lead: EU1 |
Aims to protect human health and the environment from the possible risks and impacts of pesticides. This initiative reviews options for further reducing pesticide use to help meet the goals of the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Green Deal. |
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COM proposal withdrawn amid persistent disagreements |
Inactive |
14.04.25 | |
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Taxonomy |
- aka: Taxonomy Regulation
EurEau lead: EU3 Priority level: High |
Create a classification system for sustainable economic activities (taxonomy), and focuses on the EU environmental goals on climate change mitigation and adaptation. This will create a common language that investors can use when investing in projects that have a substantial positive impact on the climate and the environment. |
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COM proposal for ‘Taxonomy Four’ in Q4 2022 SPF proposal for enabling activities expected for Q3 2022 |
Active |
31/03/25 |
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Textiles |
Textile Labelling Regulation (1007/2011) EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium-low |
This regulation sets requirements for textile products made available on the EU market with a focus on fibre composition. New (environmental requirements will be considered for inclusion. |
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COM proposal: not in 2025 work programme |
Active |
27.09.24 |
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UWWTD |
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive - aka: UWWTD
EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Very high |
Concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and the treatment and discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors |
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Awaiting Council's 1st reading position Formal adoption in autumn 2024 |
Active |
13.12.24 | |
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WFD - Surface and groundwater pollutants |
Water Legislation Revision - Priority Substances - general Directive (‘EQS’) 2022/0344 amending: EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Very high |
Enlarges the lists of surface and groundwater chemicals pollutants, the procedures to update them and the assessment of chemical status of water bodies |
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Trilogues started in January 2025, likely to continue into H2 2025 |
Active |
14.04.25 | |
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WFD Fitness Check |
Water Legislation Fitness Check - Water Framework Directive (WFD; 2000/60): aka: WFD - general - WFD Directive (‘EQS’) 2022/0344 amending: EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Very high |
Commits MS to achieve good qualitative and quantitative status of all water bodies by 2015. |
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Joint legislative proposal WFD, EQSD and GWD (above) |
Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
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WFD - GWD |
Water Framework Directive - Groundwater Directive - aka: GWD - general - GWD Directive (‘EQS’) 2022/0344 amending: EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Very high |
Covers a number of different steps for achieving good quantitative and chemical status of groundwater |
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Joint legislative proposal WFD, EQSD and GWD (above) |
Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
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WFD - EQSD |
Water Legislation Fitness Check - Environmental Quality Standards aka: EQSD - general - EQSD Directive (‘EQS’) 2022/0344 amending: EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Very high |
Limits concentrations of the priority substances in surface waters |
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Joint legislative proposal WFD, EQSD and GWD (above) |
Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
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Strat: Bio-economy |
Towards a Circular, Regenerative and Competitive Bioeconomy EC lead: DG ENV EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium |
The bioeconomy strategy will aim to boosting the EU’s competitiveness and increase green jobs while promoting a bioeconomy that reconciles different biomass uses while respecting ecosystems’ ecological boundaries. |
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EurEau reaction in preparation EurEau reaction in preparation Briefing Note on Sludge and the circular economy – the impact of PFAS Briefing Note on nutrients and waste water management |
Publication scheduled for Q4/2025 |
Active |
14.04.25 |
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Strat: NAP |
Strategy: Nutrient Action Plan (Communication)
EurEau lead: EU2 Priority level: Medium-low |
Nutrient loss (N, P) leads to pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate-change impacts. Nutrient pollution and inefficiencies in the nutrient cycle require additional EU action to improve food security, protect human health and preserve the ecosystem. |
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COM adoption delayed, then cancelled |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
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Strat: PPP |
Strategy: Polluter Pays Principle EurEau lead: all Priority level: low |
This fitness check will look at how well the EU and its Member States apply the principle, including in environmental policies. The fitness check should provide the basis for recommendations in 2024 on how to better implement the principle. |
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Recommendations in 2024 |
Active |
27.09.24 | |
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Strat. WRS |
Water Resilience Strategy EurEau lead: Priority level: |
Non-legislative. The Strategy should address water efficiency, scarcity, pollution and water related risk. It should also "enhance the competitive innovative edge of the water industry and take a circular economy approach". |
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Call for evidence expected Feb 2025 Release: June 2025 |
Active |
14.04.25 | |
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Strat: Green Deal - ChemStrat |
EU Strategy: Green Deal - Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
Priority level: Medium
|
This strategy aims to reduce the risks associated with producing and using chemicals. It will simplify and strengthen EU rules on chemicals. |
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Actions outlined in the action plan:
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Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
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Strat: Green Deal - ZPAP |
EU Strategy: Green Deal - Action Plan - ZPAP EurEau lead: EU2 Waste water |
To make the EU's economy sustainable. Blog Intends to achieve no pollution from “all sources”, cleaning the air, water and soil by 2050. |
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Work of stakeholder platform |
Inactive |
27.09.24 | |
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Strat: Green Deal - Farm2Fork |
EU Strategy: Green Deal - - aka: F2F
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Aims to make food systems fair, healthy and environment more friendly |
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PP on Water and Agriculture (2017) BN Cooperation projects between water operators and farmers (2020) Position paper on the revision of the CAP (2018) |
Implementation through legislative initiatives ongoing (SUD/SUR, sustainable food systems) |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |
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Strat: Pharmaceutical Strategy |
Pharmaceutical Strategy EurEau lead: EU1 Priority level: Medium-high |
Aims to improve and accelerate patients’ access to safe and affordable medicines and to support innovation in the EU pharmaceutical industry. |
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Revision of the pharmaceuticals legislation ongoing |
Inactive |
27.09.24 |