A European Commission evaluation of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), published on 15 July 2026, concludes that the 30-year-old law remains necessary and effective overall but identifies several areas for improvement, including simplification, better integration with water and climate policies, and addressing remaining pollution hotspots. The evaluation estimates the directive delivers benefits of EUR 10-22 billion per year against implementation costs of EUR 2.8-3.1 billion, with farm costs below 1% of EU agricultural output.
The evaluation, a staff working document (SWD(2026)235) from the Commission's environment department, notes that while progress has been made in fertiliser use and reducing nutrient losses, water quality has stagnated or deteriorated in recent years. The manure application limit in nitrate vulnerable zones is deemed effective and scientifically sound, but the document suggests additional measures may be needed in heavily polluted areas. It warns that derogations from the manure limit must be used carefully to avoid undermining the directive's effectiveness.
Climate change is increasingly affecting outcomes, but the evaluation finds the directive's flexibility allows adaptation without legal amendments. Potential improvements flagged include simplification and burden reduction for farms, better coherence with the Water Framework Directive (whose monitoring cycles converge in 2027), and managing excess manure in high-livestock areas. The Commission and Member States could follow up on these areas as part of a coherent effort.
The evaluation does not propose legislative changes but serves as a basis for future policy discussions. Stakeholder impacts are mixed: farmers could benefit from reduced administrative burden but may face tighter rules in pollution hotspots; EU water bodies stand to gain from improved implementation; and taxpayers would see continued high benefit-to-cost ratios. The European Parliament and Council are expected to examine the findings in upcoming committee debates and working party meetings.