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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-10-2026-0278

on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Pietro Fiocchi

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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.

This resolution addresses the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its risks to medicine supply. It calls for a new impact assessment, a temporary suspension of quaternary treatment and EPR obligations, and measures to ensure a level playing field.

Key points

  1. Reaffirms support for the directive's environmental objectives and stresses that environmental legislation must not undermine public health, patient safety, or access to medicines.
  2. Expresses concern that cost estimates for quaternary treatment are higher than projected and questions the methodology for attributing pollution loads.
  3. Warns that the EPR scheme risks increasing medicine prices, reducing availability, and accelerating production relocation outside the EU.
  4. Calls on the Commission to carry out a new comprehensive impact assessment covering costs, sector impacts, pollution attribution, and effects on medicine availability.
  5. Calls for a temporary two-year suspension of quaternary treatment and EPR obligations until the new impact assessment is completed, and requests a legislative proposal.
  6. Calls on the Commission to clarify how non-EU producers will comply with EPR obligations to avoid competitive distortions and ensure a level playing field.
  7. Supports a substance-based and proportionate approach to cost allocation and exploration of alternative financing mechanisms involving all pollution sources.
  8. Calls for a permanent multi-stakeholder platform and stronger coordination between environmental, health, and industrial policies.
  9. Calls on the Commission to monitor EPR's impact on medicine availability and report regularly, and supports research in sustainable pharmaceuticals and wastewater treatment.

Who is affected

  • Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, particularly generic and off-patent medicine producers, face potential cost increases and regulatory burdens.
  • Non-EU producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics will need to comply with EPR obligations, with implications for market competition.
  • EU healthcare systems and patients may be affected by medicine shortages and price increases.

Figures and deadlines

  • At least 80% and up to 100% of quaternary treatment costs to be financed by pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors under EPR.
  • Approximately 92% of micropollutant load attributed to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
  • Generic and off-patent medicines account for nearly 70% of medicines dispensed in the EU.
  • Temporary suspension of quaternary treatment and EPR provisions for a period of two years.

Legal basis: Article 3(3) TEU and Articles 9, 11, 168, 173, 191 and 192 TFEU