Joint letter calling on Ursula von der Leyen to safeguard Extended Producer Responsibility in the recast UWWTD

This joint letter, signed by a broad coalition of stakeholders including water and sanitation service providers, local and regional governments, civil society organisations, social partners, and technology providers, urges the European Commission to uphold the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD).

The EPR scheme requires the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries—responsible for 92% of micropollutants in wastewater—to cover at least 80% of the costs for advanced treatment. The signatories stress that this is a fair, legally grounded application of the polluter pays principle, essential for protecting public health, aquatic ecosystems, and water affordability. They warn that reopening or weakening this provision would cause delays, legal uncertainty, and financial strain on public services. The letter highlights the EPR’s role in driving eco-innovation, promoting the circular economy, and ensuring a level playing field across the EU.