European Parliament adopts new EU soil monitoring directive with farmer protections
The European Parliament has adopted the European Commission’s proposed soil monitoring law to achieve healthy soils across the EU by 2050, consistent with the EU’s ‘zero pollution’ ambition. The directive establishes a harmonised framework requiring member states to monitor and assess soil health using common descriptors and an EU methodology, while allowing reliance on existing national systems. The Commission will strengthen its LUCAS Soils programme and provide financial and technical support. Member states will set non-binding targets to improve soil health and must assist farmers and foresters through advice, training, and research without imposing new obligations on them. They will also compile a public list of potentially contaminated sites within ten years and establish an indicative watch list of emerging harmful substances, including forever chemicals (PFAS) and pesticides, within 18 months. The directive will enter into force 20 days after publication, with a three-year compliance period, addressing the EU’s finding that 60–70% of soils are degraded, costing around €50bn annually.