Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform Newsletter

If the EU is to achieve its 2030 targets, much stronger action on the Zero Pollution Ambition is needed. This was one of the key takeaways from December’s Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform conference on 14 December 2022.

On 8 December 2022, the Commission published its first Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook Report. It provides an integrated assessment of air, water and soil pollution and forms the evidence basis for the Commission’s Zero Pollution Ambition.

The Commission has adopted new norms under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive to make the chemical and textile industry more compliant with the Zero Pollution ambition. Some 3000 chemical and 300 textile plants will have to comply with the new legal norms.

In October 2022, the Committee of the Regions adopted an opinion on the 'Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive', including proposals to address industrial pollution such as directing penalties and compensatory payments to cities and regions.

The European Commission has adopted stricter norms to reduce the environmental impact of ferrous metal processing plants. The decision is set to contribute significantly towards the reduction of water and soil pollution under the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

As part of its revitalisation of Cromvlietpark, The Hague has implemented an urban waterbuffer. Rainwater is directed to a 30m² biofilter and purified for storage in a 35,000m³ aquifer. The clean water irrigates the local park and urban farm.