Wastewater pollution becomes major political issue in Europe

Wastewater is flowing into Europe's rivers and lakes, causing human health issues and environmental damage.

This has become a new political issue across the continent, affecting not just the Seine and Thames, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Many European cities are still using centuries-old infrastructure that has not been renewed to handle the large volumes of household and industrial waste. Public outrage has intensified over recent sewage spills in the United Kingdom. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall, leading to more frequent flooding and overloading of sewage systems.

This year, the EU updated its decades-old wastewater treatment regulations. However, compliance remains a challenge, with the European Commission currently engaged in legal action against Italy, Greece, and Spain for failing to meet water quality standards.