Resources - Briefing notes

European policy on micropollutants in surface water and groundwater should be based on the principles of ‘Control-at-Source’ and ‘Polluter-Pays’. The correct use of the source control approach is also essential to protecting human health and achieving a truly circular economy.

In this paper we present some considerations and recommendations to inform and assist decision makers.

In 2015, the European Commission published an Action Plan for the Circular Economy 1 . The accompanying Circular Economy Package with four legislative proposals was adopted in May 2018. EurEau strongly supports both the legislative elements and the action plan of the package. However, the Package lacks effective support measures for the European water sector, especially with regards to market access and financial support for innovative business models to recover materials and generate green energy in drinking water and waste water treatment.