The EPR scheme – established under the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) – requires the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries—responsible for 92% of micropollutants in wastewater—to cover at least 80% of the costs for advanced treatment. The signatories stress that this is a fair, legally grounded application of the polluter pays principle, essential for protecting public health, aquatic ecosystems, and water affordability.
With this letter, signatories warn that reopening or weakening this provision would cause delays, legal uncertainty, and financial strain on public services. The letter further highlights the EPR’s role in driving eco-innovation, promoting the circular economy, and ensuring a level playing field across the EU.
With this open letter, the EAA calls upon the European Commission that weakening the balanced position achieved during the interinstitutional negoations. Urgent action is needed to protect our environment, aquatic ecosystems and overall public health!
