Report on the implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based on Member State reports for the period 2016–2019

Summary:

Report published by the European Commission on 11 October 2021 on the implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based on Member State reports for the period 2016–2019.

Further information:

Council Directive 91/676/EEC - also known as the 1991 Nitrates Directive - is one of the earliest pieces of EU anti-pollution legislation. It aimed at reducing water pollution from nitrates used for agricultural purposes and to preventing any further pollution. It was closely linked to other EU policies addressing air and water quality, climate change and agriculture.

This report shows the nitrates were still causing harmful pollution to water in the European Union, according to data for the period 2016-2019. Nitrate concentrations fell in both surface and groundwater in the EU compared to the situation prior to the adoption of the Nitrates Directive in 1991. However, the report also reveals that little progress was made over the last decade and nutrient pollution from agriculture remained a serious concern for Member States.

Official

EUR-LEX: SWD(2021)1001: Staff Working Document accompanying the Report https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2021:1001:FIN

European Commission: Press Release, 11/10/2021: Zero pollution: Commission report shows more needs to be done against water pollution from nitrates https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_5109

European Commission: Questions and answers on Nitrates Directive Implementation Report (11 October 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_5110

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