Image description: Wide shot of the houses of Parliament. Image by Dominika Gregušová / Pexels.

The UK Parliamentary Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) inquiry is currently considering whether enough is being done to address the risks of PFAs in the UK and whether research institutions and the Environment Agency are equipped to detect and monitor their impact. It is also setting out to explore what regulatory mechanisms are in place across the UK and how they compare to other jurisdictions around the world, such as the European Union and the United States of America.

MEPs in Europe want to phase out “forever chemicals” 

Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee has laid out a vision for a European Water Resilience Strategy, receiving 68 votes in favour, six against, and 13 abstaining.

The report recommends setting clear goals to improve how water is used and saved, especially in areas most at risk. This includes encouraging the reuse of wastewater, saving more water in agriculture and buildings, and making industrial processes more efficient.

Thomas Bajada, the Maltese MEP leading the report, called for urgent action. “Water efficiency, a ban on harmful PFAS chemicals, proper funding, and digital innovation should be the heart of this strategy,” he said. The MEPs reportedly want the EU to phase out “forever chemicals” like PFAS from everyday products and to tighten rules on PFAS levels in drinking water. They also want to tackle pollution from medicine, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics, pesticides, and fertilisers, all of which pose risks to both the environment and human health.

The full European Parliament vote on the report will be held between 5–8 May. This push for a new water strategy follows promises from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Jessika Roswall, who have said water resilience will be a top priority in the EU’s plans for 2025.