EU Commissioner asserts harmonious coexistence of green transition and competitive economy
Hittin' the Right Note: Europe's Swan Song for Clean Water and a Green Economy
Listen up, folks! In an exclusive chat with our site, Jessika Roswall, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resilience, sheds light on Europe's ambitious plan to strike a balance between a robust economy and a pristine environment, especially when it comes to clean drinking water and reducing harmful substances.
According to Roswall, Europe can't afford to overlook the importance of water. "We can't go on like this because extreme weather events are the new norm," she warns, sharing her views during a presentation of Europe's Water Resilience Strategy. With droughts striking both the south and north of the continent, and severe floods in Valencia and southwest France on the rise, clean water is more crucial than ever.
The situation calls for immediate action to combat both water scarcity and pollution. Roswall's vision includes making water use more efficient and promoting innovation to tackle this crisis head-on.
Forever Chemicals: A Not-So-Easy Fix
One of the biggest challenges facing the European Commission is the accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals," in EU waters for decades. These substances pose severe risks to human health and the environment. However, with a proposed clean-up initiative set to kick off in 2026, the Commission is looking to address this issue.
Going forward, the Commission aims to eventually ban PFAS in consumer products such as pizza boxes, cosmetics, rain clothes, and firefighting foams, while medical products like inhalers, surgical equipment, and items without suitable alternatives may present more challenges. "Discussions are necessary to ensure industries using these chemicals can do so safely and prevent harmful impact on people's health and nature," Roswall says.
Green Transition and Competitiveness: A Sustainable Dance
Contrary to popular belief, Roswall firmly believes that a green transition does not contradict competitiveness. Achieving this balance requires collaboration with stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, and member states.
Setting Sail with REACH Legislation
The PFAS-related actions form part of the ongoing efforts to revise EU's REACH framework, which regulates chemicals. While accusations have been levied against the Commission for prioritizing industry demands over the environment, Roswall refutes these claims, stating, "We need an industry in Europe, and it's important for all of us."
Aiming for BiodiversityBonanza
Roswall is optimistic about supporting the environment while easing regulatory burdens on farmers. Through initiatives like nature credits, private sector investment, and dialogue between farmers and NGOs, she aims to boost biodiversity conservation and ensure a sustainable future for both farming and the environment.
So there you have it – Europe's ambitious plan to wage a war on water scarcity and pollution while driving its economy forward. And remember, every drop counts! Stay tuned for more updates on the European Water Resilience Strategy.
[1] European Commission – European Water Resilience Strategy[2] European Commission – Second Greenbook on the European Pillar of Social Rights[3] European Environment Agency – Water Quality in Europe[4] European Public Services Union – EU Water Resilience Strategy[5] European Political Strategy Centre – Water Security as a European Priority
- As part of Europe's Water Resilience Strategy, there's a need to address the accumulation of 'per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances' (forever chemicals) in EU waters, with a proposed clean-up initiative slated for 2026.
- The European Commission aims to gradually ban 'PFAS' in consumer products like pizza boxes, cosmetics, rain clothes, and firefighting foams, but finding alternatives for certain medical products may pose challenges.
- The green transition, as envisioned by Commissioner Roswall, does not conflict with competitiveness; it requires collaboration with stakeholders to achieve a harmonious balance between industry and the environment.
