MEPs back cleaner EU beaches

New EU bathing water laws give bathers up to date and better information about Europe’s beaches and sea quality, Dutch MEP Jules Maaten said on Tuesday.

The Liberal MEP is piloting a controversial overhaul of 29 year-old legislation through the European Parliament.

“The main point is provision of information for the consumer”, he said.

Maaten envisages standardised bathing quality signs that are recognisable across Europe, in all the EU’s 21 languages.

The parliament’s proposals are controversial and have run into opposition from national governments.

EU capitals have argued that European Commission revisions would prove too costly for the public health benefits likely to be secured.

MEPs have backed compromise proposals aimed at introducing modest improvements in water quality.

“The final goal in this case is to have a better information system for bathers and to have water quality standards that are at the same time an improvement for bathers as well as practical and affordable for member states”, said Maaten.

“Standards must be made more rigid.”

Europe’s ministers will now negotiate the final shape of the new legislation which will simplify water testing procedures.

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