26/06/2023 (Agence Europe) – EU rules laying down minimum requirements for the safe reuse of urban wastewater, primarily for irrigation in agriculture, but also for industrial or environmental purposes, came into force on Monday 26 June. Regulation 2020/741 aims both to save water and to promote the circular economy. It contains strict requirements for recycled water quality and monitoring to ensure the protection of human and animal health and the environment (see EUROPE 12486/3). They are applicable three years after the adoption of the regulation for all Member States except those that have decided to make use of an opt-out clause. Some Member States where freshwater resources are abundant and irrigation demand is low have planned not to authorise the reuse of water for irrigation. (AN)