Debate: Surface water and groundwater pollutants
Date: MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2023
Speaker: Virginijus Sinkevičius
Language: EN

This debate on a key deliverable in the zero-pollution package is therefore very timely. Many of these issues can be addressed through more integrated water management and by revising the list of water pollutants and modernising their quality standards.  Let me start by thanking the rapporteur, Mr Brglez, who has led a very inclusive discussion together with rapporteurs of the AGRI and ITRE Committees and this approach has secured very broad support in the ENVI Committee. And such a strong backing reflects the very high concern that the European Parliament continues to show for water, as also witnessed in the plenary discussion on the water crisis in June. You have my sincere gratitude and respect for this stance.  I very much welcome this supportive and ambitious report. The proposal is based on the latest scientific knowledge, including advice from the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks. It is the result of the extensive work with stakeholders and experts from the Member States who looked closely at which pollutants to include and the appropriate quality standards. In the face of new emerging threats and compelling toxicity evidence, we propose an expansion of the list of pollutants. A group of PFAs and other industrial substances, pesticides and pharmaceuticals have been included. Standards for some pollutants already listed have been tightened. For a few others, where science shows they are now less of a problem, standards should be relaxed.  We know a lot about pollution, but in some cases not enough. And this is why we have strengthened the watch list mechanism with a preparedness system to generate better data, enabling us to act swiftly if the need arises. The proposal aims to reap all the benefits of digitalisation. It also strengthens transboundary cooperation when a pollution event affects several Member States. And this is very much needed, as we saw from the disaster in the Oder.  The report presented here today proposes changes to the list of pollutants and standards, and there are suggestions for tighter deadlines and for no limits to the number of substances to be added to the watch list. Additional proposals include exploring extended producer responsibility, cost sharing for additional monitoring and the possibility of an EU water quality monitoring facility.  While the general thrust here is very much in line with the Commission proposal, for some we will need to consider the practical feasibility and implementations.  On the use of delegated acts, I would highlight the phrase ‘swift response’. I request your support to empower the Commission to introduce changes to the list and to quality standards for water pollutants more quickly. We need a more dynamic decision-making system to protect the environment and human health from emerging risks. Rest assured, this procedure will not lessen the necessary consultation of all parties.  As for the report’s proposal on specific substances and standards, we acknowledge that some standards need to be corrected in light of the scientific committee’s final opinion. They will also be discussed with the Council. I’ll finish here. Thank you. And, of course, I look forward to the debate.