Currently, there is no EU-wide legislation specifically on soil, although many policy instruments relevant to soil protection are in place.
Under the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission presented a new EU soil strategy for 2030, with the aim of having all EU soil ecosystems in a healthy condition by 2050. To achieve this objective, on 5 July 2023 it tabled a proposal for a soil monitoring and resilience directive, laying down measures for monitoring and assessing soil health, based on a common definition of what constitutes healthy soil, for managing soils sustainably, and for tackling contaminated sites. While stakeholders agree on the need for a soil monitoring framework, some have raised concerns about the indicators chosen to describe and assess soil health, provisions on land take, the lack of a roadmap, plans and intermediate targets to achieve the overarching 2050 objective, application of the polluter pays principle, and funding available to support land owners and managers.
On 10 April 2024, the European Parliament adopted its position at first reading. The Council agreed its general approach on 17 June 2024. Trilogue negotiations have begun.
Please access the first edition on the 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings here.