EU Water Resilience Strategy Signals Major Regulatory Shift for Industry

"The European Parliament has endorsed a robust position on the forthcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, signaling sweeping changes for industries across Europe. The strategy advocates binding water efficiency targets, significant infrastructure investment, and a phased ban on PFAS chemicals. With formal proposals expected by summer 2025, sectors reliant on water—such as chemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing—must prepare for stricter regulations and innovation demands. Parliament's resolution, passed with broad support (470 votes to 81), calls for basin-specific abstraction limits and tighter pollutant controls, addressing the EU’s worsening water quality. Less than 40% of surface waters currently meet ecological standards. Key measures include stricter limits on pollutants like pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, microplastics, and a complete PFAS phase-out where alternatives exist. To support compliance, the Parliament urges dedicated EU funding for infrastructure, leak detection, recycling technologies, and digital monitoring. The strategy also emphasizes regional adaptation, particularly in drought- and flood-prone areas. This initiative complements existing EU frameworks such as the Green Deal, Water Framework Directive, and REACH, marking a comprehensive and enforceable step forward in EU water and chemical policy."