The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on updating EU rules in the field of wastewater treatment. This agreement includes new standards for monitoring and managing risks associated with microplastics, pharmaceuticals and other pollutants. The goal is to improve water quality, protect the environment and people's health.

According to the new agreement, member states will be obliged to establish systems for the collection and treatment of wastewater from households, industry and agriculture. They will also be required to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets minimum quality criteria before being released into the environment. In addition, they will have to monitor and report the level of pollutants that can have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health, such as microplastics, pharmaceuticals, hormones, heavy metals, pesticides and more.

The new agreement is the result of long and difficult negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, which began in 2018. Both institutions agreed on the need to reform the existing 1991 legislation, which no longer reflects current challenges and technological advances. The new agreement is also in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Chemicals Strategy.

Representatives of the European Parliament and the Council welcomed the agreement reached as a historic achievement that will bring benefits for the environment, health and the economy. The agreement must still be formally approved by both institutions in order for it to enter into force.