A group of non-governmental organizations have made their recommendations to the Member States’ experts involved in negotiations regarding the Soil Monitoring Law (SML). The Via Pontica Foundation fully supports these views and aims to contribute to achieving an ambitious and effective position that can set soils on a path to recovery by 2030.
This document aims to support the ongoing discussions, recognizing that the Commission’s proposal lacks several key elements and the European Parliament’s position from April 10 is concerningly weak. We believe that the Council has the opportunity to negotiate a more ambitious and effective stance that will lead to long-term positive changes in the condition of soils in the European Union.
It is estimated that 60-70% of EU soils are unhealthy, which is a critical situation given the importance of healthy soil ecosystems in addressing many of today’s challenges. The Commission’s proposal for the SML aims to “continuously improve soil health in the Union with a view to achieving healthy soils by 2050,” but it lacks legally binding targets to ensure the timely achievement of this goal. We recommend the inclusion of long-term and intermediate legally binding targets to guide the efforts of Member States and track their progress.
The “one out all out” principle proposed by the Commission represents a strict approach and provides limited information on overall soil health. A more comprehensive and precise system would reflect the different statuses of soil health, such as the categorization into five ecological status classes proposed by the European Parliament.
The Directive should require the Commission to establish binding thresholds for soil descriptors across the EU. If this is not possible, Member States should apply existing scientifically based thresholds and methods, consulting scientific committees.
To capture the capacity of soils as a life-support system, a definition of soil biodiversity and its functions needs to be introduced. This will include additional descriptors and mandatory monitoring and assessment of soil biodiversity by all Member States.
To address soil pollution, the SML should include a comprehensive list of pollutants to be monitored and assessed, such as pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, and others.
Article 10 should remain intact and be supported with a clear roadmap for implementing sustainable soil management practices and phasing out practices that negatively impact soil health. The European Parliament significantly weakened this article, so it is essential that the Council takes a strong stance.
The Commission proposed important provisions for public participation and access to information, which should be preserved and improved by the Council. These include procedures for informing the public and engaging affected and vulnerable groups.
The “polluter pays” principle is crucial for the EU’s environmental policy. The SML should clearly emphasize this principle by including mechanisms for its implementation and obligations for financial guarantees to cover the costs of pollution.
The Via Pontica Foundation urges the Council to adopt an ambitious and effective position on the Soil Monitoring Law, ensuring healthy soils and sustainable environmental management for future generations.
