Ongoing Developments in the Implementation of the New Directive: How the European policy is reshaping water and sewage companies

The recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (EU) 2024/3019 introduces a transformative regulatory framework for water and sewage companies across Europe. This paper explores the directive’s core provisions, including the mandatory implementation of quaternary treatment, the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the push toward energy neutrality. It also examines the scale of infrastructure investments required and their estimated costs. Drawing on EU policy documents and case studies, the paper argues that the directive is not only a regulatory upgrade but a strategic realignment of the sector toward sustainability, innovation, and circularity.