Commission takes stock of EU action towards zero pollution and of the societal cost of forever chemicals pollution
Today, the European Commission published its mid-term review of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, taking stock of its implementation. The report concludes that, while much of the legislation foreseen under the Zero Pollution Action Plan is in place, Member States must act swiftly and decisively if the EU is to reach its pollution reduction targets by 2030. Also today, the Commission published a study on the societal costs of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, so-called ‘forever chemicals’) pollution.
The report on the Zero Pollution Action Plan shows that pollution prevention is not only an environmental priority but also a crucial public health policy. Taking measures to reduce pollution also provides economic and social benefits for businesses, cities and regions.
The report highlights that, since 2021, the EU has strengthened all its key laws to reduce pollution, including the Water Framework Directive, the Industrial Emissions Directive or the Ambient Air Quality Directive. In addition, with the Water Resilience Strategy, the European Ocean Pact, the Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Chemicals Industry Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Commission announced further actions to help achieve zero pollution. However, the report stresses that legislation alone is not enough. Member States must ensure an effective enforcement and implementation of EU law on pollution, and continue to invest in innovation, digitalisation, and skills.
In parallel, providing a minimum estimate of the actual costs of existing PFAS pollution, the study on the societal costs of PFAS pollution shows that, if the current levels in Europe continue until 2050 without regulatory action, the cost will reach approximately €440 billion during that period. It also highlights that reducing PFAS releases at the source is by far the most cost-effective solution. Tackling such PFAS releases at the source by 2040 would save €110 billion, whereas treating polluted water alone would cost more than €1 trillion. The findings of the study will feed into the EU discussions on PFAS-related topics.
The EU already took significant steps to control the risks from exposure to PFAS. The most harmful PFAS substances have already been banned. More recently, under the recast Drinking Water Directive, all Member States must monitor PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure compliance with the new EU limit values. The Chemicals Industry Action Plan focuses on moving towards sustainable and innovative solutions. And the European Chemicals Agency is currently assessing a separate universal PFAS restriction proposal.
You can find more information on the mid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan and the study on the societal cost of PFAS pollution online.
