The European Commission has decided to refer Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose the recast Drinking Water Directive (Directive 2020/2184) into national law. This move follows a letter of formal notice sent in March 2023, with the Commission now requesting the Court to impose financial sanctions due to insufficient progress by Polish authorities.
The recast Drinking Water Directive, which had to be transposed by 12 January 2023, aims to better protect human health by updating water quality standards, addressing pollutants like endocrine disruptors and microplastics, and enhancing access to cleaner tap water. It also requires action on water leakages, with approximately 30% of drinking water lost during distribution across the EU.
In parallel, the Commission has also launched infringement procedures by issuing letters of formal notice to Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal for failing to correctly transpose the Drinking Water Directive:
- Bulgaria: National law does not correctly reflect provisions on exemptions, risk assessments, and water quality monitoring.
- Greece: Legislation limits the scope of the Directive and omits some drinking water suppliers.
- Spain: Shortcomings include limited application scope, missing risk assessment provisions, and no requirement for periodic review.
- The Netherlands: Gaps in monitoring and access promotion.
- Portugal: Incorrect transposition of provisions on scope, risk assessment, competent authorities, and product requirements.
Each country now has two months to respond and address the identified shortcomings. Failing that, the Commission may issue reasoned opinions as the next step in the infringement process.
Additionally, a letter of formal notice has been sent to Lithuania for failing to comply with the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) regarding periodic reviews of water permits for surface and groundwater.
