Written question – Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse – E-002381/2025

Question for written answer  E-002381/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Schneider (PPE)

Numerous reports and observations from various Member States, in particular Germany, indicate that the practical implementation of Regulation (EU) 2020/741 has caused significant difficulties. Many farmers and municipalities lose access to treated waste water because many smaller projects are unable to meet the technical and administrative requirements of the Regulation. This runs counter to the Regulation’s objective of promoting water reuse and addressing water scarcity.

• 1.How does the Commission assess the practical implementation of Regulation (EU) 2020/741, in particular as regards access to treated waste water for irrigation in agriculture in the Member States, and is the Commission aware that, as a result of the above-mentioned requirements, smaller farms and municipalities in particular have lost access to treated waste water and are instead having to increasingly resort to using valuable drinking water for irrigation?
• 2.How does the Commission view the criticism that the current requirements of the Regulation could lead to a reduction in water reuse in practice, thus undermining the very objective of the Regulation?
• 3.Does the Commission intend to evaluate Regulation (EU) 2020/741 in the light of real-world practical experience and feedback so far and, if necessary, propose adjustments to facilitate water reuse?

Submitted: 12.6.2025