The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union has requested delegations to submit written comments on the revised compromise text for Priority Substances in Water by 3 June 2024. The call follows the Working Party on the Environment (WPE) meeting held on 31 May 2024, where the revised text (WK 7506/2024) was discussed. Comments must be sent to the Presidency, the Commission, and the Council's Secretariat by noon Brussels time on the deadline date.
The document, part of interinstitutional file 2022/0344 (COD), was initially marked LIMITE but was later made publicly accessible on 10 September 2024 with only marginal personal data redacted. The revised compromise text aims to update the list of priority substances in surface and groundwater under the Water Framework Directive, addressing pollutants that pose significant risks to aquatic environments and human health.
The call for comments is a procedural step in the legislative process, allowing member states to provide input before the text advances to further negotiations. The deadline of 3 June 2024 gives delegations a short window to respond, indicating the Presidency's intent to maintain momentum on the file. The outcome of the comments will inform subsequent discussions in the Council's preparatory bodies.
Stakeholders impacted include EU member states, which must coordinate their positions, and the European Commission, which will assess the feedback. Industries such as agriculture, chemicals, and water utilities may face new compliance requirements if the list of priority substances is expanded or thresholds tightened. Environmental NGOs and public health advocates stand to benefit from stricter regulation of hazardous pollutants.
Following the comment period, the Presidency is expected to present a revised text for further negotiation, potentially leading to a general approach in the Council. The European Parliament, as co-legislator, will also need to agree on the final text under the ordinary legislative procedure.