EurEau: Why Stability in EU Water Law Matters More Than Ever

Europe is facing a critical moment for water policy. As the continent confronts rising water scarcity, more frequent droughts and floods, and growing pollution pressures, maintaining a stable regulatory framework has never been more important.

EurEau and fellow water sector associations have therefore urged the European Commission not to include water-related legislative provisions in the forthcoming Environmental Omnibus package. In a pdfjoint letter (183 KB) to Vice-President Teresa Ribera, Commissioners Jessika Roswall and Valdis Dombrovskis, and Secretary-General Ilze Juhansone, the sector warns that reopening core water legislation now would undermine Europe’s capacity to manage current and future water challenges.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the recently recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) already offer a robust framework to strengthen water resilience. Both are still undergoing national transposition and implementation. Changing them at this stage would create legal uncertainty, delay essential investments, including those required for quaternary treatment—and slow the rollout of measures that reduce micropollutants, protect public health and support climate adaptation.

In particular, any postponement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes under the UWWTD would put at risk financing for advanced treatment technologies needed to safeguard ecosystems and drinking water sources.

Stable, predictable legislation is also vital for Europe’s economic security. The Commission’s Competitiveness Compass identifies water as a strategic resource, underpinning the operations of industry, agriculture and municipalities. Retaining water-related provisions in the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) enables economic actors to assess risks, plan long-term investments and adapt their activities sustainably.

While the sector supports efforts to reduce administrative burdens, for example through digitalisation and streamlined permitting, such improvements must be pursued within the existing legislative framework, not through revisions that could weaken environmental protection or slow implementation.

The joint letter calls on the Commission to:

• Exclude the UWWTD, the WFD and the water efficiency provisions of the IED from the Environmental Omnibus package
• Prioritise the effective implementation of the existing water acquis and the Water Resilience Strategy
• Ensure a clear and predictable regulatory environment that supports long-term investment and innovation.

Europe’s prosperity and climate resilience depend on water. A coherent and reliable legislative framework is essential to protect citizens, safeguard ecosystems and maintain the foundations of a strong and sustainable European economy.