23/11/2023 (Agence Europe) – Negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the Commission (trilogue) were launched on Tuesday 21 November on the proposed revision of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) to bring it up to date. This inaugural trilogue enabled each institution to present its position. The EU Council made a decision on 16 October, postponing the entire implementation timetable (see EUROPE 13272/2). In its position of 5 October, the Parliament is much more ambitious (see EUROPE 13265/22). The proposal was presented at the end of 2022 to combine the fight against residual pollution and energy savings at wastewater treatment plants (see EUROPE 13051/2). A lot of work needs to be done on the technical side. No date has yet been set for the second trilogue. It cannot be ruled out that it will take place under the future Belgian Presidency of the Council. (AN)