### h. whereas the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals has been recognised as an issue of concern by a large number of international organisations , third countries , european institutions , industry associations and non-governmental organisations; ### h. whereas the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals has been recognised as an issue of concern by a large number of international organisations , third countries , european institutions , industry associations and non-governmental organisations; whereas some eu member states such as the netherlands , germany and sweden have already taken action to address the growing presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment;


### l. whereas there is self-regulation to limit the negative impact of pharmaceuticals in the environment , such as ipie (intelligent assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment); ### deleted


### 3. notes however with concern the very soft nature of the measures included in the communication; considers that legislative measures are needed in addition to non-legislative measures to properly tackle pharmaceutical pollution; ### 3. takes note of the soft nature of the recommendations included in the communication as these are driven by objectives to pursue , whereas the measures to be taken are of member state competence; considers that effective measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment;


### 3. notes however with concern the very soft nature of the measures included in the communication; considers that legislative measures are needed in addition to non-legislative measures to properly tackle pharmaceutical pollution; ### 3. takes note of the soft nature of the recommendations included in the communication as these are driven by objectives to pursue , whereas the measures to be taken are of member state competence; considers that effective measures are needed and should be science-driven and risk-based;


### 3. notes however with concern the very soft nature of the measures included in the communication; considers that legislative measures are needed in addition to non-legislative measures to properly tackle pharmaceutical pollution; ### 3. notes however with concern the very soft nature of the measures included in the communication; considers that effective measures are needed to properly tackle pharmaceutical pollution , reflecting member state competences;


### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour; ### 5. considers that a holistic approach , including all the actors concerned , is needed to tackle the negative impact of pharmaceutical products in the environment , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply at all stages of the life cycle of pharmaceutical products , covering , primarily but not exclusively , the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour;


### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour; ### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that , in order to ensure the effectiveness of the regulatory actions being adopted , it is vital that they are adopted in line with the prevention principle and the precautionary principle; highlights , furthermore , that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour;


### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour; ### 5. considers that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to tackle the impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs by designing and implementing a policy mix that combines source-directed , use-oriented and end-of-pipe-measures using a combination of voluntary , economic and regulatory instruments; and also incentivizing better prescription practices and consumer behaviour;


### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour; ### 5. considers that a multi stakeholder and coordinated approach is needed to tackle the negative impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment , taking into account the entire lifecycle of medicines by designing and implementing a policy mix that combines source-directed , use-oriented and end-of-pipe-measures using a combination of voluntary , economic and regulatory instruments;


### 7. recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products are especially present in water bodies , and that they are ineffectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants; ### 7. recalls that studies have shown that residue from pharmaceutical products is especially present in water bodies , and that it is not completely removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants;


### 7. recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products are especially present in water bodies , and that they are ineffectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants; ### 7. recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products are especially present in water bodies , and that they are ineffectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants;


### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse; ### 9. points to the fact that the impact of pharmaceutical residues on water resources must be taken into account in the review of eu water legislation;


### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse; ### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation and notes that specific pharmaceuticals are regulated under the water framework directive; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse;


### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse; ### 9. points to take into account that specific pharmaceuticals are already regulated under the water framework directive; recalls the importance of managing pharmaceuticals under the existing framework due to the public health role they serve;


### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants; ### 10. underlines the need to gather new and more detailed data on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants , and the use of digital and big data monitoring systems;


### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants; ### 10. asks , with regard to the effectiveness of the measures being adopted , for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants;


### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants; ### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants , and waste water treatment plants;


### 11. calls on the commission to facilitate the exchange of existing best practices; ### 11. calls on the commission to facilitate the exchange of existing best practices , including those developed by stakeholders , such as ipie , the eco-pharmaco-stewardship(eps) , the amr alliance manufacturing framework and the #medsdisposal campaign;


### 11. calls on the commission to facilitate the exchange of existing best practices; ### 11. calls on the commission to facilitate the exchange of existing best practices , including through raising awareness and promoting the re-use of medicine packaging;


### 12. calls on the member states to share best practices in the preventive use of antibiotics and to reinforce the ‘one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance’; reaffirms the positions expressed in its resolution of 13 september 2018 on a european one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance; ### 12. calls on the member states to share best practices in the preventive use of antibiotics and to apply in full and , if necessary , reinforce the ‘one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance’; reaffirms the positions expressed in its resolution of 13 september 2018 on a european one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance;


### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns among veterinaries and physicians on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , particularly of antimicrobials; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients with sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines; ### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns and training among healthcare professionals , including veterinaries , pharmacists , physicians and patients , on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , such as antimicrobials , antidepressants or contrast fluids; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients with sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines;


### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns among veterinaries and physicians on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , particularly of antimicrobials; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients with sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines; ### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns and training courses among veterinaries and healthcare professionals on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , particularly of antimicrobials; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients with clear , sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines;


### 14. highlights the importance of the design , development and manufacturing phases to minimise the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals; ### 14. highlights the importance of the design , development and manufacturing phases to minimise the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals , meanwhile avoiding the price increase for the pharmaceuticals products;


### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; ### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; taking into account that greater biodegradability could potentially impair the efficacy and shelf life of medicines , and make it harder to administer precise dosages;


### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; ### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support research , development and innovation of pharmaceuticals which are equally effective for patients and less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; calls on the member states and the commission to boost funding for this;


### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; ### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the research and development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment;


### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; ### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support and set financial incentives for research and development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment , by reducing , as far as possible , the pharmaceutical characteristics that affect environmental risks such as ecotoxicity , persistence , mobility and bioaccumulation;


### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’) , which degrade more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment; ### 15. calls on member states and the commission to support the development of pharmaceuticals with a smaller environmental footprint , inter alia by degrading more readily , into harmless substances , in wastewater treatment plants and the environment;


### 16. considers that the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals could be included into the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines , as is already the case for veterinary medicines; ### deleted


### 16. considers that the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals could be included into the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines , as is already the case for veterinary medicines; ### 16. considers it inappropriate to include the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals into the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines when it comes to ensuring that patients have access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments;


### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting greener pharmaceuticals; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue; ### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting pharmaceuticals which respect the environment; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue by including , for example , environmental criteria in addition to simple economic criteria;


### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting greener pharmaceuticals; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue; ### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting pharmaceuticals with low intrinsic toxicity for the environment; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue;


### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed , where those are not available; ### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments on pharmaceuticals placed on the eu market is needed , where such assessments are not available;


### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed , where those are not available; ### 22. calls on the commission to initiate a systematic catching-up procedure for medicinal products for human use authorised without an environmental risk assessment;


### 26. stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away; ### 26. stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , whilst ensuring compliance with current traceability legislation , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away;


### 26. stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away; ### 26. stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to safely extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away;


### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease; ### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without causing difficulties in the access to medicines and not reducing the effectiveness of treatments; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease and better alternatives should be found;


### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease; ### 27. considers that pharmaceutical consumption should be monitored transparently in order to support and encourage responsible use of medicines based on evidence in order to avoid over-consumption; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease;


### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease; ### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease without compromising animal health and welfare;


### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease; ### 27. considers that citizens , carers and healthcare professionals should do a responsible use of medicines , enhancing health literacy and patient empowerment , so that the overall per capita drug consumption could be reduced;


### 28. considers that a review of directive 86/278/eec on sewage sludge is long overdue; calls on the commission to make a legislative proposal to review and update directive 86/278/eec no later than by the end of 2020 , not least so as to avoid that pharmaceutical residues are spread onto fields; ### 28. considers that a review of directive 86/278/eec on sewage sludge is long overdue; calls on the commission to evaluate and eventually revise directive 86/278/eec no later than by the end of 2021 , in order to update quality standards according to the latest scientific evidence to promote true circular economy of carbon and nutrients without risk to human health or the environment;


### 28. considers that a review of directive 86/278/eec on sewage sludge is long overdue; calls on the commission to make a legislative proposal to review and update directive 86/278/eec no later than by the end of 2020 , not least so as to avoid that pharmaceutical residues are spread onto fields; ### 28. considers that a review of directive 86/278/eec on sewage sludge is long overdue; calls on the commission to evaluate and , if necessary given the results obtained , to make a legislative proposal to review and update directive 86/278/eec no later than by the end of 2021 , not least so as to avoid that pharmaceutical residues are spread onto fields;


### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater; ### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater in accordance with the principle of preventing environmental threats , especially at source;


### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater; ### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater applying best available techniques;


### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines; ### 30. calls for the member states to implement and fully enforce the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines;


### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines; ### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines and for the widest possible promotion of this type of solution;


### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines; ### 30. calls on member states to set up and fully enforce provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines;


### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines; ### 30. calls on member states to set up and enforce provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines;


### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit; ### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms and environmental monitoring , in order to ensure adequate and systematic scrutiny of the environmental data deficit;


### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit; ### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms such as environmental monitoring , to adequately and systematically cover the environmental data deficit;


### 36. considers that the methods of analysis to quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment should be improved; ### 36. considers that the methods of analysis to quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment should be improved , as should the development of technologies for this purpose;


### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be made available to relevant stakeholders; ### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be made available to relevant stakeholders; therefore calls on the commission and the relevant authorities to set up a secure , centralised database enabling all the actors concerned to have access to the results of the environmental risk assessments of products;


### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be made available to relevant stakeholders; ### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be transparent and made available to relevant stakeholders;


### a. whereas climate change is continuing globally and in europe and there is further evidence that future climate change will increase climate-related extremes in many eu regions; ### a. whereas climate change is continuing globally and in europe and there is further evidence that future climate change will increase climate-related extreme events in many eu regions;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the comprehensive certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments , while taking into account that this terminology needs to fit into a robust international framework in order to avoid mislabelling or double counting of environmental impacts;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , inspired in the classification already endorsed by the industry in the 33rd madrid forum in 2019 , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for green and low-carbon hydrogen; stresses that green hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; notes that clean hydrogen could meet 24% of world energy demand by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments;


### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework; ### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out , however , that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to ensure a level playing field and scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the revision of the renewable energy directive (red) and established emission trading system (ets)framework;


### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework; ### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable , decarbonised and low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s targets , namely the 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable , decarbonised and low-carbon hydrogen , building on research and innovation funds as well as the established emission trading system (ets) framework;


### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework; ### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to a fast transition within 10 years to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework;


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , technology neutrality , security of supply , affordability of energy and competitiveness of energy prices;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); stresses the importance of measures for the integrated renovation of all existing buildings in order to ensure that they are powered by renewable energy , and are highly energy efficient and smart;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); notes that energy efficient renovation is the first step towards a climate neutral energy system;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps) and long- term renovation strategies;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the importance of tackling construction and building materials as they generate generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that renovating existing buildings requires fewer materials per square meter than constructing new buildings; believes that the impact of the buildings across their full life-cycle accounting for both embodied and operational carbon must be streamlined into eu legislation;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account , as well as in load management and flexibility through the optimization of thermal mass in building design;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment , decarbonising the energy sources and to taking the embodied environmental impacts in building materials into account;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that the recycled content and recyclability potential of construction products should become mandatory criteria to be declared under ce marking (thus to be considered under the cpr revision); environmental impacts of products over their entire life cycle should be declared in verified epds made in accordance with the en185804-a2 standard;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; notes that the existing environmental product declaration approach must be widened and it should be used as input for building assessment like the level(s) framework developed by the commission;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established to complement the requirements for energy efficiency ;


### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky waste in general , and of polystyrene and stone wool in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them; ### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of construction and demolition waste; notes that collection and take back schemes and sorting facilities should be created to ensuring appropriate and safe handling of all construction waste; calls on the commission to propose concrete measure on these issues as part of the circular economy action plan and the sustainable built environment strategy;


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards , including indoor air quality , thermal and visual indoor environmental quality , can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include material’s circularity potential , the evaluation of indoor air quality factors and robust indicators based on existing environmental tools and standards; stresses the importance of material passports and the development of an eu-wide open standard for information on the content of construction products to encourage the use of non-toxic and recyclable materials;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. emphasises the potential consolidating all buildings data into the same digital tool , so as to complement the building renovation passport by an environmental passport that would include material’s circularity potential in order to facilitate future dismantling , reuse and recycling; stresses the importance of material passports and the development of an eu-wide open standard for information on the content of construction products to encourage the use of non-toxic and recyclable materials;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. underlines the importance of empowering citizens and local communities , with a particular emphasis on financing appropriate sustainable technologies and solution that stimulate innovation and could lead to socially inclusive just transition; stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; notes that adoption of energy saving measures and energy efficient consumption habits could reduce significantly energy poverty.


### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services. ### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments , such as the private finance for energy efficiency (pf4ee) and the smart finance for smart buildings guarantee facility , and also in the framework of investeu as well as under the european green deal investment plan , in order to finance small-scale , cost- effective and social housing renovation initiatives and services.


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu and to protect groundwater bodies aiming to achieve good chemical and quantitative status by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; whereas water management planning and programs of measures will continue beyond the 2027 deadline;


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect surface waters and groundwater in the eu , aiming to achieve their good status by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which objectives are unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline;


### c. whereas good chemical status has been achieved for only 38% of surface waters and just 40% is in good ecological status or potential; ### c. whereas 74% of the area of groundwater bodies is in good chemical status and 89% is in good quantitative status , good chemical status has been achieved for only 38% of surface waters and just 40% is in good ecological status or potential;


### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states; ### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation and the enforcement of its provisions by the member states;


### e. whereas water abstraction puts an important pressure on eu waters; whereas about a quarter of water diverted from the natural environment in the eu is used for agriculture; whereas an agreement on the new regulation on water reuse was reached , which will facilitate the use of treated urban waste water for agricultural irrigation; ### e. whereas water abstraction puts an important pressure on eu waters; whereas about a quarter of water diverted from the natural environment in the eu is used for agriculture; whereas an agreement on the new regulation on water reuse was reached , which will facilitate the use of reclaimed water for irrigation;


### e. whereas water abstraction puts an important pressure on eu waters; whereas about a quarter of water diverted from the natural environment in the eu is used for agriculture; whereas an agreement on the new regulation on water reuse was reached , which will facilitate the use of treated urban waste water for agricultural irrigation; ### e. whereas water abstraction puts an important pressure on eu waters; whereas about a quarter of water diverted from the natural environment in the eu is used for agriculture; whereas an agreement on the new regulation on water reuse was reached , which will facilitate the use of treated urban waste water for agricultural irrigation , especially in the eu mediterranean regions that suffer water scarcity , drought and desertification;


### f. whereas the main point source of water pollution in the eu is the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated urban and/or industrial waste water; whereas the main diffuse source of water pollution is agriculture , with releases of nutrients , pesticides and other pollutants; ### f. whereas the main point source of water pollution in the eu is the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated urban and/or industrial waste water; whereas a further diffuse source of water pollution is agriculture;


### f. whereas the main point source of water pollution in the eu is the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated urban and/or industrial waste water; whereas the main diffuse source of water pollution is agriculture , with releases of nutrients , pesticides and other pollutants; ### f. whereas a not yet sufficiently regulated point source of water pollution in the eu is the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated urban waste water; whereas industrial waste water is another significant point source; whereas agriculture is a diffuse source of water pollution , with releases of nutrients , pesticides and other pollutants;


### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater wherever possible at source as the most cost-effective measure; ### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater as a priority at source as the most sustainable and cost-effective measure;


### h. whereas the fitness check found that the wfd “is sufficiently prescriptive with regard to the pressures to be addressed , and yet flexible enough to reinforce its implementation as necessary with regard to emerging challenges not mentioned in the directive such as climate change , water scarcity and pollutants of emerging concern”; ### h. whereas the wfd does not include specific provisions to address climate change impacts; whereas in its communication on the european green deal the commission nevertheless acknowledges that natural functions of ground and surface water must be restored; whereas the fitness check found that the wfd “is sufficiently prescriptive with regard to the pressures to be addressed , and yet flexible enough to reinforce its implementation as necessary with regard to emerging challenges not mentioned in the directive such as climate change , water scarcity and pollutants of emerging concern”;


### i. whereas freshwater biodiversity is threatened in europe; whereas healthy and resilient freshwater ecosystems are better able to mitigate the effects of , and adapt to climate change; ### i. whereas the un biodiversity report from 2019 names water pollution as an important threat to global biodiversity , whereas freshwater biodiversity is threatened in europe and this can have a negative impact on flora and fauna; whereas healthy and resilient freshwater ecosystems are better able to mitigate the effects of , and adapt to climate change; whereas european wetlands , which serve as natural carbon sinks , have decreased by 50% since 1970 and freshwater species have declined by 83% since then;


### j. whereas one third of european countries suffer from water scarcity , i.e. they have less than 5000 m3 of water per head annually;27 ### j. whereas one third of european countries suffer from water scarcity , i.e. they have less than 5000 m3 of water per head annually;27whereas , in case of conflicts over the allocation of water resources , the realisation of the human right to water must take priority;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality and sufficient quantity of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; whereas water will be an essential element to implement a real circular economy in the eu;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality and quantity of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy , environmentally-friendly and sustainable food system as described in the farm to fork strategy;


### l. whereas there are currently over 21.000 hydropower plants in europe; whereas no comprehensive eu action has taken place for dam removal; ### deleted


### l. whereas there are currently over 21.000 hydropower plants in europe; whereas no comprehensive eu action has taken place for dam removal; ### l. whereas there are currently over 21.000 hydropower plants in europe; whereas no comprehensive eu action has taken place for removal of obsolete dams and weirs;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up and its objectives need to be integrated in sectoral policies particularly agriculture , transport and energy policy;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; regrets that the assessment does not address the consequences of the ecj rulings on the directive;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up to achieve a good environmental status of all surface and ground waters by 2027;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is broadly fit for purpose , yet its implementation in certain areas needs to be improved and speeded up;


### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; ### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd are yet not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status;


### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; ### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive in some member states , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status;


### 4. notes that climate change can have a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting several economic sectors; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy; ### 4. notes that climate change has a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting several economic sectors; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. notes that there is urgent need for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd and within the context of the eqs directive; notes that considerable differences in approaches to classification , assessment and reporting methods make eu-wide comparisons and analysis challenging; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. notes that there is a need for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures;


### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target);; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu; ### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target); highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality and quantity of water in the eu;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states when considering the contribution from municipalities , industry and agriculture; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle as well as the polluter-pays principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have access to affordable water services;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. calls on member states to apply the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation in the recovery of the costs of water services , and implement adequate water pricing policies in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water and that the cost-recovery principle should be applied with regard to its social , environmental and economic effects , as well as the geographic and climatic conditions of the regions affected;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle as well as the polluter-pays principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water;


### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; ### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from waste water and other human activities; recalls that eutrophication weakens the environmental status of water bodies and makes them more vulnerable to invasive alien species;


### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; ### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from all sources , including untreated or inappropriately treated waste water;


### 10. notes that hydropower stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and ecosystems; ### 10. notes that there are currently 21.000 hydropower plants in europe and that hydropower stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and ecosystems;


### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways should go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce ghg emissions and to avoid deterioration in the quality of water bodies; ### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways , which threatens the integrity of europe’s largest rivers , should be fully in line with the non-deterioration principle of the wfd as well as with other environmental legislation including the birds and habitat directives and go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce ghg emissions and to avoid deterioration in the ecological and chemical status of water bodies;


### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways should go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce ghg emissions and to avoid deterioration in the quality of water bodies; ### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways should go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce emissions of ghg and other pollutants and to avoid deterioration of air quality and the quality of water bodies;


### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; ### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; calls on the commission to take this into account in the eventual revision process of the uwwtd;


### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; ### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of pollution loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants;


### 13. notes that the uwwtd does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , individual systems and small agglomerations; ### 13. notes that the uwwtd , in interaction with the wfd , does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , individual systems and small agglomerations; highlights that neither the uwwtd nor the wfd are fully fit for addressing climate adaptation measures regarding storm water overflows and flooding in agglomerations due to heavy rains;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; calls for the addition of ecological financing measures in the framework of the cap revision in order to tackle climate change and water pollution and over-abstraction , in order to ensure sustainable water management; urges member states to fully implement and enforce the provisions of the nitrates directive and of the directive on the sustainable use of pesticides;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the water protection measures in agriculture and adequate budgetary resources supporting their implementation; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; calls for the addition of ecological financing in the framework of the cap revision , in order to aid agriculture in eu in tackling climate change and water pollution challenges , and in order to ensure sustainable water management;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; calls for the addition of financial measures in the framework of the cap revision in order to ensure sustainable water management;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection and efficient use measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; welcomes the reduction targets for the use and risks of pesticides by 50% established on the farm to fork strategy and the decision to revise the directive on the sustainable use of pesticides; stresses the urgent need to reduce the impact of pesticides on drinking water resources by prioritising their protection in the (re-) authorisation processes and application of pesticides;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe and to apply the use of the latest available techniques on modern sensors;


### 19. calls on the commission and the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans; ### 19. recognizes that total water abstraction in europe has decreased by more than 20% over the last 15 years; notes nevertheless that eight countries can be considered water-stressed representing 46% of europe`s population and that the number of water-stressed countries is constantly increasing; calls on the commission and the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans;


### 19. calls on the commission and the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans; ### 19. calls on the commission and the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans , integrating a strong digitalization of control and early warning systems , to support effective and data-based decisions on protection , response and communication measures;


### 20. suggests to address droughts with projects for the reuse of disused quarries , transformed into basins to contain rainwater and flood waves; encourages research and investments in this direction; ### 20. suggests to address droughts and water scarcity by prioritising the abstraction of water for drinking water to ensure the human right to water and by implementing innovative solutions to buffer rain water and flood waves for later use; encourages research and investments in this direction;


### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions; ### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions , while enhancing more public-private partnership;


### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions; ### 21. calls on the commission and member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing as well as new infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions;


### 22. encourages a better integration of the flood risk management directive in policies on prioritising nature-based solutions , and adjusting funding streams accordingly; ### 22. encourages a better integration of the flood risk management directive in policies on prioritising nature-based solutions , and adjusting funding streams accordingly; highlights the importance of managing catchment areas in an integrated and holistic manner;


### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals; ### 23. notes that microplastics are estimated to be persistent in freshwater for 450 years and that current water treatment plants do not filter these particles completely; therefore welcomes the decision to develop a methodology for the monitoring of microplastics in the revised drinking water directive (dwd); calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals , edcs and pfas and welcomes the establishment of a watchlist for these substances under the revised dwd;


### 24. calls for improving public consultation , public awareness and education and stimulating inter-sectoral dialogue; ### 24. calls for improving public consultation , public awareness and education on the links between water , ecosystems , sanitation , health , food safety , food security and disaster prevention , and for stimulating inter-sectoral dialogue between economic operators , water providers , citizens , authorities and civil society organisations;


### b. whereas 72% of the european population live in cities , towns and suburbs , and the share of the urban population continues to grow and could reach 80% in 202013 ; whereas these figures increase the importance of greener cities in tackling major challenges that our planet is faced with; ### b. whereas 72% of the european population live in cities , towns and suburbs , and the share of the urban population continues to grow and could reach 80% in 202013 ; whereas these figures increase the importance of greener cities in tackling major challenges that our planet is faced with , developing their potential as essential hubs for both the implementation of global agendas and for citizens engagement in policy decision;


### c. whereas cities face an array of challenges , ranging from impact on residents’ health to environmental concerns , and therefore green infrastructure has great potential to offer solutions to many of these problems; ### c. whereas cities face an array of challenges , ranging from impact on residents’ health to environmental concerns caused by climate change , and therefore green infrastructure has great potential for mitigating and , in many cases , solving many of these problems;


### c. whereas cities face an array of challenges , ranging from impact on residents’ health to environmental concerns , and therefore green infrastructure has great potential to offer solutions to many of these problems; ### c. whereas cities face an array of challenges , ranging from impact on residents’ health to environmental concerns , and therefore green infrastructure has great potential to offer sustainable solutions to many of these problems;


### d. whereas green infrastructure provides ecosystem services that are crucial to our wellbeing , production of urban food , water circulation and retention , the regulation of temperature , the support of biodiversity , including pollinators , improving nutrient cycles and the creation of aesthetic , exercise and wellbeing benefits for its inhabitants; ### d. whereas green infrastructure provides ecosystem services that are crucial to our wellbeing , production of urban food , water circulation and retention , the regulation of temperature , thus providing better thermal comfort , the promotion of biodiversity , including pollinators , improving nutrient cycles and the creation of aesthetic , exercise and wellbeing benefits for its inhabitants;


### f. whereas green infrastructure can be used to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of increasing extreme weather phenomena , such as heat waves , extreme rainfalls , flooding and droughts , and even out extreme temperatures thus improving the quality of life for europeans living in urban areas; ### f. whereas the development of green infrastructure is among the most effective climate change adaptation measures that can be applied in cities , as it mitigates the negative impacts of increasing extreme weather phenomena , such as heat waves , extreme rainfalls , flooding and droughts , and even out extreme temperatures thus improving the quality of life for europeans living in urban areas;


### g. whereas a planted soil and permeable pavements will help water retention and combat urban runoffs better than asphalt and concrete; ### g. whereas a planted soil and permeable pavements will help water retention and combat urban runoffs better than asphalt and concrete , and whereas high-quality green infrastructure reduces the risk of flooding;


### g. whereas a planted soil and permeable pavements will help water retention and combat urban runoffs better than asphalt and concrete; ### g. whereas a planted soil and permeable pavements help water retention , manage seepage and combat urban runoffs better than asphalt and concrete;


### h. whereas well designed green infrastructure can act as one of the biggest chances to increase the quantity of ecological corridors , and in this way protect the biodiversity; ### h. whereas well designed green infrastructure can provide shelter for a variety of plant and animal species , including insects and birds , thus contributing to the protection of biodiversity;


### i. whereas plants purify the air by filtering out the small particles and producing oxygen; whereas the quality of air in our cities has become one of the biggest health challenges we are faced with in europe today; whereas cleaner air would improve the quality of life of millions of people , including asthma and airways disease sufferers; ### i. whereas plants purify the air by filtering out the small particles and producing oxygen; whereas the quality of air in our cities has become one of the biggest health challenges we are faced with in europe today , especially given that each year some 400 000 people die prematurely from problems caused by air pollution; whereas cleaner air would improve the quality of life of millions of people , including asthma and airways disease sufferers;


### j. whereas use of trees and vegetation can reduce noise pollution in urban areas; whereas eu-funded research project hosanna found that natural plant sound shields are better at shielding residents from traffic noise than the straight-sided sound barriers commonly used14 ; ### j. whereas use of trees and vegetation can reduce noise pollution in urban areas; whereas noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems , after the impact of air quality; whereas eu-funded research project hosanna found that natural plant sound shields are better at shielding residents from traffic noise than the straight-sided sound barriers commonly used14 ;


### l. whereas greener cities can provide significant health benefits , as they improve air quality , encourage residents to move and exercise more , help to prevent and cure depression; improve the immune systems , and ultimately increase happiness and well-being15 ; ### l. whereas greener cities can provide significant health benefits , as they improve air quality , encourage residents to move and exercise more , help to prevent and cure depression; improve the immune systems , create positive interaction with their inhabitant and ultimately increase happiness and well-being15 ;


### m. whereas more parks , greener streets , bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds amongst other actions increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they will also improve the social contacts between residents and create a stronger sense of community; ### m. whereas more urban parks and gardens , greener streets , green roofs on buildings , bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds amongst other actions increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they will also improve the social contacts between residents and create a stronger sense of community;


### m. whereas more parks , greener streets , bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds amongst other actions increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they will also improve the social contacts between residents and create a stronger sense of community; ### m. whereas more parks , greener streets , bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds amongst other actions increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they will also improve the social contacts between residents , push forwards positive behavioural changes and create a stronger sense of community;


### o. whereas greening the cities can facilitate small-scale food production , which would enable new micro-enterprises to emerge and encourage residents to become active in this field and understand the food chain better; ### o. whereas greening the cities can facilitate small-scale food production , which would enable new micro-enterprises to emerge and encourage residents to become active in this field and understand the food chain better , especially in the case of food production by means of organic and environmentally sustainable farming;


### p. whereas citizens need to be engaged and empowered in urban planning and when green infrastructure is designed , taking into account the local environmental , social , economic and technological features; ### p. whereas citizens need to be engaged in efficient local solution-building and empowered in urban planning and when green infrastructure is designed , taking into account the local environmental , social , economic and technological features;


### 4. calls on the member states , and local and regional authorities to devise action plans and actively engage in activities designed to green urban areas in cooperation with relevant stakeholders , including the civil society; ### 4. calls on the member states , and local and regional authorities to devise action plans and actively engage in activities designed to promote and maintain green urban areas in cooperation with relevant stakeholders , including the civil society;


### 5. proposes that the year 2021 be designated a european year of greener cities; ### 5. proposes that the year 2022 be designated a european year of greener cities;


### 6. proposes the aims of the european year of greener cities 2021 to be to: ### 6. proposes the aims of the european year of greener cities 2022 to be to:


### a. raise awareness of the benefits of green spaces in built environment; ### a. raise awareness of the benefits of green spaces in built environment; introduce initiatives to increase the provision of green spaces near residential areas , such as linking construction activities to the creation of green infrastructure;


### b. increase the quantity and quality of research and development of new innovations in various fields of expertise creating greener added value; ### b. increase the quantity and quality of research and development of new innovations in various fields of expertise creating greener added value; targeted support for sustainable digitalisation in the eu and thus for startups and digital innovations which deploy the disruptive power of digitalisation for the transformation to sustainability;


### b. increase the quantity and quality of research and development of new innovations in various fields of expertise creating greener added value; ### b. increase the quantity and quality of research and development of new innovations in various fields of expertise creating greener added value , and enhancing quality of life;


### c. encourage citizens to act and improve their own neighbourhoods; ### c. encourage citizens to act and improve their own neighbourhoods , acting as a community to increase the resilience and reshape the future of their cities;


### c. encourage citizens to act and improve their own neighbourhoods; ### c. encourage citizens to take care of their own neighbourhoods;


### d. create a culture of appreciation of the green spaces; ### d. create a culture in which green spaces are considered an important aspect of quality of life in cities;


### f. connect existing initiatives and share best practices across member states , inter alia on urban planning , sustainable urbanism and infrastructures , green architecture , cleaner energy , pedestrian and cycle mobility , sustainable waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy; ### f. connect existing initiatives and share best practices across member states , as is also foreseen in the ‘leipzig charter on sustainable european cities’ , inter alia on urban planning , sustainable urbanism and infrastructures , green architecture , cleaner energy , pedestrian and cycle mobility , sustainable waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy , which aims to achieve the target of zero waste and to reduce waste to a minimum through maximum use of recycling;


### f. connect existing initiatives and share best practices across member states , inter alia on urban planning , sustainable urbanism and infrastructures , green architecture , cleaner energy , pedestrian and cycle mobility , sustainable waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy; ### f. connect existing initiatives and share best practices across member states , inter alia on urban planning , sustainable urbanism and infrastructures , nature-based solutions , green architecture , cleaner energy , pedestrian and cycle mobility , efficient water-resource management , sustainable and circular waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy;


### g. create a roadmap of greening the european cities by 2030 , conveying the principle of ecological urbanism as a means to encourage harmonious links between the rural and urban environments , to acknowledge their interdependence and the need for a bi-directional relationship; ### g. create a roadmap of greening the european cities and of maintaining green spaces by 2030 , conveying the principle of ecological urbanism as a means to encourage harmonious links between the rural and urban environments , to acknowledge their interdependence and the need for a bi-directional relationship;


### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities; encourages municipalities and regions to support citizen-led green initiatives to the greatest extent possible; ### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities; encourages municipalities and regions to support citizen-led green initiatives to the greatest extent possible and develop sponsorship projects for open spaces;


### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities; encourages municipalities and regions to support citizen-led green initiatives to the greatest extent possible; ### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas and in maintaining green areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities and maintaining green spaces; encourages municipalities and regions to support green initiatives submitted by citizens to the greatest extent possible;


### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities; encourages municipalities and regions to support citizen-led green initiatives to the greatest extent possible; ### 7. highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas through their involvement in the planning and implementation phases as appropriate , in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions , to create ownership of relevant actions and to have socially inclusive cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that there is public awareness on ways in which citizens can contribute to greening their cities and transforming them into healthier environments; encourages municipalities and regions to support citizen-led green initiatives to the greatest extent possible;


### 8. urges the commission to continue supporting ambitious measures of energy and resource efficiency and to help secure adequate funding for actions that contribute to sustainable urban development and green infrastructures , such as innovation partnerships and joint procurement schemes between european cities. ### 8. urges the commission to continue supporting ambitious measures of energy and resource efficiency and to help secure adequate funding for actions that contribute to sustainable urban development and green infrastructures , such as innovation partnerships and joint procurement schemes between european cities; to help enhance the collective power of the cities to scale up quickly efficient solutions.


### 1. grants the executive director of the european environment agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european environment agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european environment agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european environment agency for the financial year 2018 / postpones the closure of the accounts of the european environment agency for the financial year 2018; ### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european environment agency for the financial year 2018;


### 2. notes that , according to the agency , substantial progress was made in the sharing of resources on overlapping tasks among other agencies with similar activities; also notes that the agency shared efforts with other science-based agencies including the european chemicals agency and the european food safety authority on issues around human health; ### 2. welcomes that , according to the agency , substantial progress was made in the sharing of resources on overlapping tasks among other agencies with similar activities; also notes that the agency shared efforts with other science-based agencies including the european chemicals agency and the european food safety authority on issues around human health;