Europe's Crisis: Polluted Waters and Political Challenges

The European Union's report reveals widespread pollution affecting surface water bodies due to farming, urbanization, and chemical pollutants. With only a fraction of European waters in good ecological and chemical status, urgent political action and financial allocations are necessary to meet the EU's upcoming water quality targets.

The majority of the European Union's surface water bodies are polluted by chemicals, according to a report from the European Commission on Tuesday. The report illustrates the deteriorated condition of Europe’s water resources, igniting a call for action.

This year, the EU is developing plans to combat water shortages and droughts exacerbated by climate change, alongside addressing pressures from farming-related pollution and urban sprawl. As of 2021, only 39.5% of surface water bodies like lakes and rivers were deemed to be in good ecological condition, with merely 26.8% possessing a satisfactory chemical status—a decline from 33.5% in 2015.

Despite small improvements, such as healthier aquatic plants in lakes, the general health of water bodies remains poor. Groundwater bodies show better results, with 86% having a good chemical status, though they too suffer from nitrate pollution caused by agriculture. The EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall highlighted the urgent need for a mindset shift, yet acknowledged the political difficulties, notably due to opposition from influential farmer protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)