In a motion for a resolution published on 12 June 2026, the European Parliament's EPP group has proposed amendments to delay new financial obligations on medicine manufacturers under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) until an independent study clarifies costs, substances involved, and the fair application of the polluter pays principle. The amendments introduce a conditional clause that could lead to a temporary suspension of the directive's requirements if the study shows risks to medicine accessibility, affordability, or availability.
The amendments, submitted solely by the EPP group, add two new paragraphs (6a and 6b) to the resolution. Amendment 1 calls on the European Commission to produce an independent study by the end of 2026 that identifies substances in urban wastewater, verifies the costs of implementing quaternary treatment, attributes costs between sectors under the polluter pays principle, and assesses the impact on medicine availability and affordability. Amendment 2 states that only if the study demonstrates a need for stronger measures should the Commission act, with options including a temporary suspension of the rules or a new cost-sharing mechanism.
The EPP's position reflects a cautious, evidence-based approach that prioritises security of medicine supply and industrial competitiveness. The amendments create a safety valve for the pharmaceutical industry, shifting the burden of proof onto the Commission to show that new costs will not harm medicine supply before any measures are implemented. The most radical proposal is the option for a temporary suspension of the directive's requirements, which would be a significant departure from the current regulatory trajectory.
Other political groups (S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA) did not submit amendments on this file, suggesting either satisfaction with the original text or a lack of engagement. They are likely to view the EPP's call for a study as a delaying tactic and may push for immediate or stricter application of the polluter pays principle to the pharmaceutical sector.
The amendments impact several stakeholders. EU pharmaceutical manufacturers would benefit from delayed costs and potential suspension of rules, preserving their competitiveness and avoiding disruptions to medicine supply. EU consumers and patients would see continued access to affordable medicines, but may face delayed environmental benefits from reduced pharmaceutical pollution in wastewater. EU regulatory bodies (Commission, national authorities) would need to conduct the study and potentially design new cost-sharing mechanisms, adding administrative burden. Environmental NGOs would likely oppose the delay, arguing it weakens the polluter pays principle and postpones necessary investments in wastewater treatment.
The resolution is expected to be debated in plenary, followed by a vote. The Commission will need to respond to the call for a study by end of 2026. The Council's position on the UWWTD implementation will also influence the final outcome, with trilogue negotiations possible if the Parliament and Council diverge.
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