The General Court has dismissed EFPIA's action for annulment of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) on the grounds of lack of legal standing. While this procedural decision does not address the substance of the case, it leaves important legal questions regarding the validity of the Directive unresolved. 

EFPIA remains committed to ensuring that EU legislation is implemented in full respect of fundamental EU law principles, including the polluter pays principle, non-discrimination, and proportionality. We therefore will continue to challenge this Directive as its current design runs counter to these core EU principles. The polluter pays principle is a cornerstone of EU environmental policy and must be applied in a fair, evidence-based and legally sound manner, ensuring that financial responsibility is proportionate and accurately reflects actual contributions to pollution. 

In parallel, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association is progressing its case in the High Court in Ireland, seeking a referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for a preliminary ruling on the validity of the UWWTD. The General Court’s Order clarifies that national courts should refer such matters to the CJEU if there are doubts regarding a Directive's validity.

EFPIA supports the environmental and public health objectives of the UWWTD. At the same time, it is essential that the framework underpinning the Directive is legally robust and grounded in accurate and representative micro-pollution data. Ensuring a sound legal and evidentiary basis will help deliver effective environmental outcomes while maintaining fairness and legal certainty for all stakeholders.