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EU Parl Watch

Where the law stands, Dossier 2026/2652(RSP)

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

· First reading

A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.

Where it stands

Parliament’s position

Parliament adopted the text on 18 June 2026. This is its final position on the matter.

  1. Tabled for plenary(done)
  2. Plenary vote(done) Adopted 18 June 2026
  3. Parliament’s position(done) Final

Decided in plenary

18 June 2026 · decision 7

Climate & environment, Resolution

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

Adopted 294 for · 245 against · 28 abstained by a small majority

AI summary:It supports the directive's environmental goals but worries that higher-than-expected costs and the polluter-pays scheme could hurt medicine availability and EU manufacturing.

What changed

  • Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament

    AI summary:Adds calls for a temporary suspension of EPR and quaternary treatment obligations pending an impact assessment and a Commission communication by July 2026. Adds recitals questioning cost estimates and the attribution of micropollutants to pharmaceuticals, and a call for progress on implementing acts. Removes a paragraph supporting the gradual implementation timeline and EPR as the preferred financing model. The other changes are formal or wording: updated recital letters, decimal separators, and renumbering.

    See the changes →

The text, version by version

Newest first.

  1. Adopted by Parliament· 18 Jun 2026

    Adopted text TA10-0228/2026

    AI summary:Parliament reaffirms support for the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its deadlines, stressing the need to reduce water pollution including micropollutants.

    What changed since Joint motion RC-B10-0238/2026 →

  2. Tabled for plenary· 12 Jun 2026

    Joint motion RC-B10-0238/2026

    What changed since Motion for a resolution B10-0278/2026 →

  3. Tabled for plenary· 10 Jun 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0278/2026

    AI summary: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.

  4. Tabled for plenary· 10 Jun 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0281/2026

    AI summary:The resolution reaffirms support for the full implementation of the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and defends extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a non-negotiable application of the polluter pays principle, rejecting any dilution or delay.

  5. Tabled for plenary· 10 Jun 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0279/2026

    AI summary:This resolution addresses the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and risks to medicine supply security. It affirms Member State competences, calls for flexibility, and warns against uniform EU requirements.

  6. Tabled for plenary· 10 Jun 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0280/2026

    AI summary:This resolution expresses concern that the extended producer responsibility scheme under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive places a disproportionate financial burden on pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, risking medicine supply. It calls on the Commission to suspend Articles 9 and 10 and propose amendments after a new impact assessment.

  7. Tabled for plenary· 10 Jun 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0282/2026

    AI summary:This resolution concerns the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its impact on medicine supply. It calls for a new study, a temporary suspension of certain EPR provisions, and possible revisions to the directive.

  8. Tabled for plenary· 12 May 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0240/2026

    AI summary:This resolution supports the full implementation of the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, including its extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, and rejects efforts to delay or weaken it.

  9. Tabled for plenary· 12 May 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0243/2026

    AI summary:The resolution addresses the implementation of the urban wastewater treatment directive and its impact on medicine supply. It reaffirms Member States' competences in healthcare and water policy, rejects extended producer responsibility for medicines, and calls for flexibility and proportionality in EU rules.

  10. Tabled for plenary· 12 May 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0238/2026

    AI summary:This resolution addresses the implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) and its impact on medicine supply. It stresses protecting public health and the environment while avoiding unintended consequences for medicine accessibility, availability, and affordability.

  11. Tabled for plenary· 12 May 2026

    Motion for a resolution B10-0241/2026

    AI summary: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.

  12. Tabled for plenary

    Motion for a resolution B10-0239/2026

  13. Tabled for plenary

    Motion for a resolution B10-0242/2026

Timeline

Newest first.

Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2026/2652(RSP)