SGI Europe commends the introduction of the Polluter-Pays-Principle in the latest Zero Pollution package

Today [Wednesday 26 October 2022], the European Commission tabled a set of proposals to strengthen EU rules on ambient air, surface and groundwater pollutants, and urban wastewater treatment. SGI Europe welcomes the proposals to review those vital environmental directives, and adopt a holistic approach to address pollution in water, air and soil whilst ensuring the stability of natural ecosystems and the protection of public health.

Commenting on the proposals, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

“The responsibility of services of general interest (SGIs) to provide water and clean up wastewater has become more complicated with increasing levels of microplastics and emerging pollutants in wastewater. SGI Europe welcomes the proposal to include polluting industries in covering the additional treatment costs whilst stimulating the market for less harmful products. For the first time, the European Commission is putting forward a genuine “polluter-pays-principle”. Preventative measures at the source are always more effective, cheaper and crucial to cleaner and healthier water. We now call to further streamline this principle across all EU Green Deal initiatives.”

“The wastewater industry has a highly invaluable energy potential. In line with the Commission’s proposal, SGI Europe welcomes the proposal to step up the targets in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach climate neutrality, and calls for a better alignment with the Fit-for-55 targets.
However, this climate neutrality objective must not prevent the further reduction of pollution from wastewater inputs. Energy efficiency requirements should go hand-in-hand with cleaning wastewater and should be closely linked to the EU water protection targets.”

“With its proposals to enhance access to sanitation across Europe in line with the Drinking Water Directive, the European Commission is putting in place a policy framework underlining the importance of SGIs, such as access to healthy water. It is a crucial element to protect and strengthen socio-economic wellbeing across Europe, especially in times of crisis.”

(European Union, 2022; Source: EC - Audiovisual Service)