Water and marine

EU water policy is one of the cornerstones of environmental protection in the EU. The rules protect water resources, fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and drinking and bathing waters. The Water Framework Directive provides the main framework and the objectives for water policy in Europe.

This subtopic contains the following guidance on EU level rules governing water quality standards and flooding:

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EU environment tracker 2025—water—this tracker tool covers key new and upcoming EU legislation and consultations linked to the protection, conservation, and restoration of water resources and freshwater and marine ecosystems. Key tracked initiatives include proposals for revisions to the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and a new regulation to tackle pollution from microplastics. To review developments from 2024, see Practice Note EU environment tracker 2024—water [Archived].
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EU Water Framework Directive—snapshot—provides a snapshot of the key aspects of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October

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Latest EU Law News

ECHA proposes EU-Wide restrictions on hexavalent chromium substances

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances to reduce their harmful effects on workers and the public. Developed at the request of the European Commission, the proposal is based on an assessment that identified Cr(VI) as a potent carcinogen linked to lung and intestinal cancers, presenting significant risks to both workers and local communities near industrial sites. The proposal intends to replace the current authorisation requirements under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework. It calls for a ban on Cr(VI) substances—with exceptions for specific use categories that meet defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions—and includes barium chromate to prevent substitution with similarly hazardous chemicals.

EPC publishes EDS Onboarding and Registration Guide

The European Payments Council (EPC) has released an EDS Onboarding and Registration Guide, offering step-by-step instructions on how the Verification of Payee (VOP) scheme participants and Routing and/or Verification Mechanism (RVM) can register for using the EPC Directory Service (EDS) via the EDS Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Regulation (EC) 261/2004–Compensation for delay, proof of reservation, travelling free of charge or at reduced fare (M1.R M2.R v AAA sp.z.o.o.)

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EBA consults on RTS for real estate risk weights

The European Banking Authority (EBA) is consulting on draft amending regulatory technical standards (RTS) on the types of factors to be considered by national authorities in assessing the appropriateness of real estate risk weights. The review is driven by the revised Capital Requirements Regulation (EU CRR3), which confers a new mandate on the EBA. Responses are sought by 30 May 2025.