Challenges and Current Trends in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in EU Water Law Context

The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and their improper disposal have resulted in both pharmaceuticals and their metabolites being released into the environment, where they pose a risk to both ecosystems and human health. One of the most serious threats to public health associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to combat AMR, the legal aspect of water protection becomes a critical area of action. This article analyzes the current challenges and legislative developments in the European Union (EU) aimed at mitigating pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments, particularly with regard to AMR. It traces the evolution of EU water protection policies from the initial surface and groundwater directives to the recent updates of the Water Framework Directive, Groundwater Directive and Environmental Quality Standards Directive, focusing on the integration of pharmaceutical contaminants into the regulatory framework. In addition, these changes include the update of the Watch List system for monitoring emerging contaminants, the adoption of effects-based methods (EBMs) in the assessment of water status and the streamlining of the legislative process to respond more quickly to emerging threats in the aquatic environment. The EU's strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment is emphasized as a key framework for harmonizing the environmental standards and addressing the problem of AMR through more sustainable pharmaceutical practices. This study advocates for a proactive, integrated approach to water policy that aligns regulatory actions with scientific advancements to protect public health and ecosystem integrity.