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

EMA updates clinical data publication guidance with mandatory anonymisation templates

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published Version 1.5 of its external guidance on the implementation of Policy 0070, which governs the publication of clinical data for medicinal products for human use. The updated guidance clarifies and consolidates procedures relating to the submission, anonymisation, and redaction of clinical reports submitted in centralised marketing authorisation procedures. It provides revised instructions for applicants and marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) on the preparation of redacted and anonymised clinical documents, including the use of mandatory templates for justification tables and anonymisation reports.

Commission awards €992m for 15 renewable hydrogen projects across EEA

The European Commission has selected 15 renewable hydrogen production projects across five European Economic Area (EEA) countries for €992m in funding from the Innovation Fund, sourced from the EU Emissions Trading System. The projects are expected to produce 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, avoiding more than 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The projects will receive fixed premium support between €0.20 and €0.60 per kilogramme, with three maritime sector projects receiving €96.7m in dedicated funding. Grant agreements are expected to be signed by September/October 2025, with projects required to reach financial close within 2.5 years and begin production within 5 years. A third European Hydrogen Bank auction is planned for end 2025 with a €1bn budget.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee approves amendment to the CSDR—shortening the settlement cycle for transferable securities

The European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has approved an amendment to the Central Securities Depository Regulation (Regulation (EU) 909/2014) (CSDR) that shortens the settlement cycle for securities transactions on trading venues from two business days (T+2) to one business day (T+1). The Committee, which recorded 48 votes in favour and 4 abstentions, noted that the change would reduce risks and improve liquidity, while bringing EU practices into line with global standards. The amendment also allows for same-day settlements (T+0) when possible and exempts certain complex transactions from the T+1 rule. Furthermore, the European Securities and Markets Authority has been tasked with monitoring the transition and assessing the potential for future further shortening of the settlement cycle. These changes are set to take effect from 11 October 2027, subject to final negotiations with the Council.

Gender identity and the right to rectification of personal data (VP v Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság)

EU Law analysis: The Court of Justice has held that personal data relating to gender identity on the public registers of a Member State must be subject to the right to rectification under Article 16 of the General Data Protection Regulation, Regulation 2016/679 (EU GDPR). Rectification may require production of relevant and sufficient evidence reasonably required to establish the inaccuracy, which may include medical certificates. However, a Member State may not make the exercise of the right of rectification conditional on evidence of gender reassignment surgery. Further, any restrictions on Article 16 rights in this regard must also comply with Article 23 of the EU GDPR and must be established by legislative measures and not by administrative practice. Importantly, the Court of Justice looked at data accuracy within the broader context of fundamental rights, especially the rights to personal integrity and privacy. In doing so, it expanded protections for transgender people by referring to gender identity, rather than relying on the traditional focus on gender reassignment. Written by Gaelyn Fuhrmann, Legal Director at Wiggin LLP.