Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission
26.9.2025
As announced in the European Water Resilience Strategy[1] and as requested by the European Parliament resolution on this subject[2], the Commission will, in the context of the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)[3], conduct an updated study.
The Commission is fully aware of the importance to have this study available without delays and to secure high quality. The study, which will be made available as soon as possible , will cover the costs of the quaternary treatment as well as the potential impacts of EPR on concerned sectors and will be based on the most recent and relevant data.
The figures on toxic loads originating from different sectors mentioned by the Honourable Members were presented by the Cosmetics industry and have not been validated by the Commission.
Preparations for the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive[4] are ongoing, including consultations with relevant stakeholders.
As indicated in this directive[5], each producer’s contribution under the EPR will be determined on the basis of the quantities and hazardousness in the urban wastewater of the substances contained in the products that are placed on the market and not on the basis of the figures from the impact assessment.
A full evaluation of the directive[6] is planned by 2033 at a time when only a limited part of the quaternary treatment will have to be in place (between 10 and 20%)[7].
Moreover, the EPR system should be implemented as optimally as possible, in particular from a cost-benefit perspective, and requires Member States to organise regular dialogues on its implementation with relevant stakeholders.
The Commission is also fostering exchanges of information and best practices to achieve a well-functioning and proportionate EPR system[8].
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en.
- [2] European Parliament resolution of 7 May 2025 on the European Water Resilience Strategy (2024/2104(INI).
- [3] Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.
- [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/3019/oj/eng.
- [5] Article 9.3 c) of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.
- [6] Article 30 of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.
- [7] Article 8 of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.
- [8] Article 10 of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024.