Source: European Parliament
The Commission addresses marine pollution through Directive 2008/56/EC[1] which requires Member States to achieve good environmental status in marine waters, including measures to prevent ship polluting discharges.
To address sewage discharges from the land, Directive 3019/2024[2] recently strengthened urban wastewater treatment standards, nutrient reduction, and monitoring of emerging pollutants.
International standards under the MARPOL Convention[3], particularly Annex IV on sewage, are implemented in the EU through Directive 2005/35/EC[4], recently amended[5] to cover sewage, enhanced satellite surveillance, improved information exchange, and strengthened enforcement efforts, particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites.
However, Member States remain responsible for monitoring and penalising illegal discharges from ships. According to MARPOL, it is illegal for a ship to discharge sewage which is un-treated within 12 nautical miles from the nearest land[6].
The Commission also supports Member States in discussions at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to improve environmental standards, including on sewage discharges.
The EU endorses efforts to update MARPOL Annex IV[7]. This revision includes improving the lifetime performance of sewage treatment plants and updating the 2012 Guidelines on effluent standards and performance tests.
Recognising the importance of record-keeping and lifecycle measures for wastewater treatment plants[8], the Commission advocates for drafting of guidelines on the implementation of Annex IV for sewage treatment plants and guidance on obtaining data on the quality of treated sewage effluent. However, the adoption of such updates requires agreement within the IMO.
- [1] Marine Strategy Framework Directive — Directive 2008/56/EC (OJ L 164 25.6.2008, p. 19) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/56/oj/eng.
- [2] Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202403019.
- [3] International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
- [4] Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p.11).
- [5] Directive (EU) 2024/3101 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L, 2024/3101, 16.12.2024).
- [6] This applies to ships en route at a speed less than four knots, instantaneously discharging sewage held in holding tanks, which is not comminuted or disinfected.
- [7] International Maritime Organisation. 12th session of the sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response. 27-31 January 2025.
- [8] As highlighted by Resolution WCC-2020-Res-028.