EU’s new water policy and how it connects to Unity4Water
Europe faces persistent water challenges and increased water stress due to environmental pollution, climate change, heightened demand, and overexploitation from water-intensive sectors. During this mandate period, EU institutions have reviewed current water legislation to strengthen and modernize its application, addressing water pollutants such as medicines, microplastics, and PFAs. How can Unity4Water contribute?
As Europe prepares for the EU elections (6-9th of June) attention is on the EU’s efforts to update its water legislation and reviewing water laws to strengthen protections.
The revision of the directive on the treatment and reuse of urban wastewater, recently approved in the European Parliament, further increases the relevance of the Unity4Water project. The new legislation will require EU countries to promote the reuse of treated wastewater from all sewage treatment plants in urban areas, especially in water-stressed areas.
This likely means increased demand for technologies and solutions to treat and reuse wastewater sustainably. By promoting the reuse of wastewater, the project can play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity and contributing to more sustainable water use in society.
The requirements for adaptations and investments on stakeholders in society go well together with the challenges addressed by the Unity4Water project which can expand its efforts to assist partners in meeting new requirements and needs arising from the revised legislation. It is essential for the project to be flexible and continue to develop and adapt its methods and technologies to meet the changing conditions and demands in society and in the market.
The upcoming plenary session in the European Parliament on April 22–25 will be crucial for gaining clarity on the exact requirements and conditions of the new legislation. The Unity4Water project will closely monitor these political processes and prepare to act and adapt based on the decisions made.
