A European Commission Staff Working Document published on 23 July 2026 evaluates Poland's implementation of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) for the 2020-2023 period, highlighting persistent water quality challenges and recommending reinforced measures. The document notes that while Poland applies a nationwide Nitrates Action Programme since 2017, avoiding individual vulnerable zone designations, nitrate pollution in surface waters has worsened, with eutrophic monitoring points rising from 66.9% to 75.7% and nitrate hotspots increasing from 0% to 2.3% compared to the previous reporting period. Groundwater exceedances of the 50 mg/l nitrate threshold remained stable at 4.7% of monitoring points, with hotspots concentrated in Opolskie, Łódzkie, Wielkopolskie, and Lubelskie regions.
The assessment is based on Poland's 2024 report covering the 2020-2023 period and the updated Nitrates Action Programme adopted in February 2023. The programme introduced a flexible end date for the closed fertilisation period based on weather and soil conditions, a nitrogen utilisation coefficient for mineral nitrogen fertilizers specific to grassland, and provisions for 'open rearing systems'. The Code of Good Agricultural Practices was further updated in 2025, building on the 2019 version. Despite these updates, the document identifies compliance challenges including financial constraints, limited advisory services, and lack of free tools for fertilisation planning. Climate change is cited as an additional factor undermining water quality improvements, particularly in areas where reduced agricultural pollution is unlikely.
The Commission recommends reinforced measures to address pollution hotspots, alignment with Water Framework Directive deadlines, introduction of phosphorus limitations, and fostering cooperation and innovation. The document does not propose new legislation but serves as a technical assessment to guide future national and EU-level actions.
Polish farmers face potential additional compliance costs if the Commission's recommendations lead to stricter fertilisation rules, while water utilities and environmental NGOs may benefit from improved water quality. National authorities will need to allocate resources for enhanced monitoring and advisory services. The document's emphasis on phosphorus limitations could affect fertiliser producers and agricultural practices in sensitive areas.