SGI Europe Comments on the new Zero Pollution Action Plan

Today [12 May 2021], the European Commission adopted its communication “Zero Pollution Action Plan- A Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All” to help reduce pollution on the water, air and soil scale whilst promoting a holistic approach.

Reacting to the proposals put forward, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, commented:

“SGI Europe welcomes the ambition of the European Commission to eliminate all harmful pollution by 2050 and to ensure no further harm is done to the natural ecosystem and the preservation of public health.”

“Providers of services of general interest stand ready to play their key role to meet the targets and vision of the Zero Pollution Action Plan. SGIs are at the forefront of this challenge by delivering essential and fundamental services such as drinking water, secure energy supply, waste management and reliable and sustainable mobility services contributing to the essential objectives of the reduction plan.”

“We also welcome the approach put forward by the European Commission to tackle pollution in order to improve human health and address the impacts of the long-term harm on the development of people with health conditions, older and young citizens and those living in poorer socio-economic conditions. It is important to recognise this dual challenge and act accordingly.”

“SGI Europe stresses the importance of providing solid conditions to guarantee sustainability for the supply of clean water, air and soils. We therefore welcome the decision of the Commission to take direct action by further applying the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, further implementing the polluter-pays principles and making EU environmental policies based on the precautionary principle that will facilitate SGIs to meet the zero pollution targets.”

^{Photo: European Union, 2021. Source: EC - Audiovisual Service}