01/12/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Monday, 30 November, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment called—by a large majority (68 votes in favour, two against, one abstention)—for Member States to finally comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (see EUROPE 12612/21). In order for all surface water and groundwater in the EU to achieve a “good status” by 2027 at the latest, they are calling for the directive’s objectives to be better integrated into sectoral policies, specifically agriculture, transport, and energy. They urge Member States to reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides and call for these targets to be integrated into national strategic plans under the CAP. They advocate additional measures regarding chemicals and pollutants, water pricing, hydropower, and urban wastewater treatment. The text will be voted on in the 14–17 December plenary session. (AN)