Nitrates Directive: the first comprehensive evaluation since 1991 shows that "EU rules remains effective"

"EU rules remain effective to protect Europe's waters from agricultural nitrate pollution", though there is still room for improvement, notably to simplify the implementation of the Nitrates Directive, to reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for both farmers and the environment", according to the first comprehensive evaluation of this Directive since its adoption in 1991, published on 15/07/2026.

According to the evaluation, the Nitrates Directive is "coherent with related EU water, nature and agricultural policies, and critical to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive".

To reduce administrative burden for farmers, the Commission will work "in close cooperation with member states to identify best practices and simplification potential, without compromising…