News Nitrate
EU plans additional measures against nitrates
Water in the European Union continues to suffer from nitrate pollution. In recent years little progress has been made in improving water quality. Over-fertilization in particular remains a problem in many parts of the EU.
This is stated by the European Commission in the report published yesterday (11 October) on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive. Water quality has improved significantly compared to the situation before the adoption of the Nitrates Directive in 1991. This is due to the efforts of national authorities and farmers.
Little or no progress has been made in the last ten years. According to the Commission, the nitrate concentration of the groundwater will be exceeded by 2016% in the period 2019 to 14,1. 81% of marine (salt) waters, 31% of coastal waters, 36% of rivers and 32% of lakes are eutrophic (rich in mineral nutrients).
European Commission wants action
The European Commission announces action to improve compliance with the Nitrates Directive. For most Member States, including the Netherlands, this means that stricter action is required at national and regional level.
In many cases, current measures are not sufficient to combat pollution in areas where agricultural pressures have increased, according to the Commission. In addition, better account must be taken of the consequences of climate change at the national level. Compliance with the Nitrates Directive is a precondition for achieving the target of the European Green Deal to reduce the loss of nutrients by at least 50%.
Urgent measures needed
“The implementation of the Nitrates Directive over the past thirty years has improved water quality in the EU, there is no doubt about it,” said Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. "We are also seeing the fruits of the real efforts to switch to sustainable methods. However, the pace of change is not enough to prevent damage to human health and preserve fragile ecosystems. In line with the European Green Deal more urgent measures are now needed to achieve sustainable agriculture and protect our precious water resources.”
The report of the European Commission is here to find.
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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