EU governments challenge wastewater micropollutant removal costs under revised directive

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The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requires larger treatment plants to remove micropollutants, with pharmaceutical and cosmetics producers financing at least 80% of investment and operating costs. EU governments are challenging the cost-allocation rules, warning that charges could raise medicine prices and disrupt supply. National producer-payment systems must begin by the end of 2028, with phased implementation through 2045.