25/09/2019 (Agence Europe) – Negotiations between the European Parliament and the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council, assisted by the Commission, will be opened on two legislative dossiers concerning water, thanks to the favourable vote of the European Parliament Environment Committee on Wednesday 25 September. The decision to open inter-institutional negotiations on the Drinking Water Directive was adopted by 65 votes (2 against, 1 abstention). The previous Parliament had issued its opinion on 23 October 2018 (see EUROPE 12224/6). The rapporteur is Christophe Hansen (EPP, Luxembourg) who replaced Michel Dantin. For the Directive on water reuse for agricultural purposes, the green light was given unanimously (1 abstention). Simona Bonafè (S&D, Italy) is rapporteur. The previous Parliament had adopted its position on 12 February 2019 (see EUROPE 12208/9). No date has yet been set for the trilogue negotiations, with the Parliament waiting for the new Commission to be in place. (AN)