European Parliament
European Parliament is a international organization that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Five countries to receive over €1 billion in EU aid following natural disasters
Support from the EU Solidarity Fund for Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and France following severe floods in 2023 Assistance will cover part of the costs of emergency and recovery operations EU aid should be expanded in view of the increasing number of natural disasters in Europe, MEPs say
New EU rules to improve urban wastewater treatment and reuse
Better monitoring of chemical pollutants, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and member states will have to finance costs of additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Wider reuse of treated urban wastewater to prevent water scarcity.
Nature restoration: Parliament adopts law to restore 20% of EU’s land and sea
EU countries must restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. Provisions for agricultural ecosystems can be temporarily suspended under exceptional circumstances. Over 80% of European habitats are in poor shape.
MEPs confirm Hoekstra and Sefcovic as new Climate and Green Pact commissioners
Parliament approved Wopke Hoekstra as Commissioner for Climate Action and Maroš Šefčovič’s new role as Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. 279 MEPs voted in favour of Wopke Hoekstra’s appointment as Commissioner for Climate Action, 173 voted against, and 33 abstained. Maroš Šefčovič’s new responsibilities as Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal were […]
European Parliament advances water quality standards to safeguard freshwater bodies
The European Parliament, the EU’s only directly-elected institution and one of the legislative bodies of the European Union, announces that the Environment Committee of the European Parliament has adopted its position on safeguarding groundwater and surface waters, focusing on enhancing water quality standards and mitigating pollution risks. The newly proposed law, approved by MEPs with 69 […]
European Parliament adopts deal to improve quality of tap water and reduce plastic litter
Lower consumption of bottled water could save EU households over 600 million EUR per year. “Right2Water” becomes first European Citizens’ Initiative to pass into law. Threshold for certain contaminants will be stricter.
European Parliament approves increased water reuse
Water scarcity is affecting more and more EU countries. More water reuse expected to alleviate the stress on freshwater supply. EU farmers will have more water available for irrigation, also during heatwaves.
The European Parliament declares climate emergency
Commission must ensure all proposals are aligned with 1.5 °C target. EU should cut emissions by 55% by 2030 to become climate neutral by 2050. Calls to reduce global emissions from shipping and aviation.
Brussels encourages improving tap water and cutting the use of bottled water
Improving quality of tap water to reduce use of plastic bottles and save households over €600m per year Increase access to water in public spaces and restaurants Member states must “promote access to water for all”