Stricter EU wastewater regulations challenge candidate countries' EU accession

Nikola Rakonjac, Phoebe Koundouri, Slobodan Djordjevic, Zarko Sretenovic and Dragan Savic
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Phoebe Koundouri: Dept. of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business

No 2622, DEOS Working Papers from Athens University of Economics and Business

Abstract: The European Union's revised Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD, Directive 2024/3019), in force since 1 January 2025, marks a major step toward the Zero Pollution ambition. By imposing stricter wastewater collection, treatment, and pollutant removal regulations, the directive aims to significantly enhance water quality and environmental protection across Europe. While these measures align with longterm sustainability goals, they pose considerable challenges for EU candidate countries, which must adapt their infrastructure and policies to meet compliance requirements within the next two decades. Chapter 27 of the latest European Commission Enlargement Package highlights disparities in environmental compliance among EU candidate countries, underscoring that progress on water quality, water management, and wastewater treatment remains limited. This is further reflected in the countries' performance on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) - "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all".

Date: 2026-09-01
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