A new report from the European Environment Agency shows that 96 per cent of Europe's monitored bathing sites met minimum health standards. Even better, around 85 per cent were rated “excellent”, proving that decades of EU environmental regulation are paying off for summer holidaymakers.
But don't pack your swim gear just yet. Some 1.5 per cent of monitored waters are still rated “poor”. These sites are plagued by persistent sewage overflows and agricultural runoff, where a dip poses a risk of severe waterborne illness.
The EU is trying to tackle these issues, as well as chemical contamination, drought and toxic algal blooms, through stricter legislation and major infrastructure funding, including more than €15 billion for water-system improvements.
Through updated chemical rules and the Nitrates Directive, Brussels is targeting major pollutants while enforcing upgrades to municipal treatment plants to remove microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
How are the EU’s waters?
