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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2652(RSP))

On the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) and risks to the security of supply of medicines

B-10-2026-0241

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Alessandra Moretti

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament reaffirms support for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules, rejecting any delay. It calls for full implementation, monitoring of medicine impacts, and fair cost-sharing by polluting sectors.

Key points

  1. Reaffirms strong support for the objectives and full implementation of the UWWTD, stressing the need to address water pollution including micropollutants.
  2. Stresses that quaternary treatment is essential to protect health, ecosystems, and combat antimicrobial resistance; supports full application of EPR.
  3. Costs of advanced wastewater treatment should not fall on taxpayers or consumers but be shared fairly among responsible sectors.
  4. Rejects calls to 'stop the clock' on EPR provisions, noting the gradual implementation timeline and minimal initial cost burden.
  5. Calls on the Commission and Member States to use existing provisions to ensure evidence and reliable data are considered in implementation.
  6. Commission should regularly evaluate whether other products and sectors with significant impact on toxic load should be included in EPR.
  7. Calls for careful monitoring of the directive's impact on affordability and availability of generic medicines to avoid disruption or price increases.
  8. Member States should assess and mitigate potential negative impacts on medicine availability when designing national EPR schemes, especially for generics.
  9. Calls on Member States and Commission to address evidence-based concerns about unintended consequences using the directive's flexibility.
  10. Supports the polluter pays principle and calls on impacted sectors to engage constructively and acknowledge environmental responsibility.
  11. Emphasises that shifting cost burden onto citizens, taxpayers, patients, consumers, and municipalities is unacceptable; costs should be borne by polluters.

Who is affected

  • Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries: must cover at least 80% of quaternary treatment costs under EPR.
  • Generic medicine manufacturers: may be more sensitive to cost increases; need careful monitoring.
  • Citizens and taxpayers: should not bear pollution costs; EPR ensures polluters pay.

Figures and deadlines

  • Water pollution costs the EU over EUR 75 billion annually.
  • At least 80% of quaternary treatment costs to be covered by pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
  • Impact on medicine prices would amount to EUR 2.64-3.20 per person per year by 2045.
  • Quaternary treatment coverage targets: 20% by 2033, 60% by 2039, full coverage by 2045.
  • Estimated annual costs of quaternary treatment approximately EUR 1.186 billion per year by 2040 without EPR.

Legal basis: Article 191 TFEU (polluter pays principle) and Article 168 TFEU