Commentary on the EU Commission's proposal for amending the Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive, and the Directive on Environmental Quality Standards

Abstract The EU Commission published on the 26th of October 2022 its proposal for amending three central water management Directives, Water Framework Directive, Groundwater and Directive Environmental Quality Standards. introduces a series amendments changes to remedy shortcomings that were identified in previous fitness check European legislation align legal framework with scientific technical progress last decades. This commentary briefly summarizes evaluates new elements are most relevant from toxicological ecotoxicological perspective. substantially extends list WFD priority substances now includes 68 substance groups. It also identifies five groups as groundwater management. In several instances, generic sum-EQS values suggested selected groups, an approach lacks underpinning might not always be sufficiently protective. EQS certainly needed, but better set using relative potency factors or other implementations Concentration Addition concept. employs this setting groupwise PFAS chemicals PAHs it should systematically applied substances. Effect-based methods (EBMs) included text WFD, which is highly welcome. However, limits EBMs explorative studies does include based EBM-methods. Revising major legislative frameworks offers opportunities streamline pollution spirit “one substance, one assessment” idea. Further details how evaluations performed context can harmonized those by EFSA, ECHA EMA during registration authorization would have been