European Union
EU PFAS Generic Restriction – Recently leaked documents from the Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) reveal that industry representatives are relying on legal opinions to push back against the planned regulations. A key argument is that the EU’s proposed restriction unfairly groups over 10,000 PFAS compounds together, assuming they all share the same level of risk. This broad categorization would lack a sufficient scientific basis and could make regulatory compliance unnecessarily difficult for businesses.
Despite these legal objections, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) continues to push forward with its restriction proposal. However, companies may attempt to delay or weaken the regulations through legal actions and advocacy efforts. If successful, these actions could limit the effectiveness of the restriction.
EU Commissioner Proposes PFAS Ban in Consumer Products – EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall has announced plans to introduce a ban on PFAS in consumer products, including cosmetics and non-stick cookware, as part of the EU’s broader effort to regulate these harmful chemicals. The ban is expected to be proposed in 2026 at the earliest. However, Roswall confirmed that exemptions will be granted for certain “essential uses,” including asthma inhalers and semiconductors, which are critical for green technologies. This aligns with previous indications from the European Commission that while consumer exposure to PFAS should be minimized, certain industrial applications remain necessary. The push for a ban follows mounting scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure to serious health risks such as cancer, fertility issues, and immune system damage. Several EU Member States—including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway—have already proposed a phased-out approach to PFAS manufacturing, usage, and sales.
Binding Water Use Targets in the EU – A draft report (a political document) by MEP Thomas Bajada proposes the adoption of EU-wide PFAS quality standards for groundwater and surface water and increased pesticide residue monitoring. While the European Parliament has yet to adopt the report, it is intended to influence the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy. A plenary vote is expected on May 5, 2025.
EU Member States
France
French Parliament to Prioritize PFAS Regulation – On February 20, 2025, the French Parliament will prioritize the debate on a proposed law targeting PFAS pollution. This proposal, introduced by MP Nicolas Thierry from the Ecologist and Social group (EcoS), aims to regulate and reduce the use of PFAS. The bill has already passed its first reading unanimously in the Senate, indicating strong political support across parties. Thierry and his supporters hope to pass the bill in its current form to prevent further delays caused by additional legislative reviews or amendments.
In contrast, a separate bill focusing on water quality, initially expected to be a priority, has been placed lower on the agenda and may not be debated during this session. The prioritization of PFAS over water quality legislation suggests that lawmakers view chemical contamination as a more immediate and pressing issue.
France and Belgium
European Cities Push for EU-Wide Ban on PFAS to Combat Pollution and Health Risks – Local government representatives from Lyon and Ghent are urging the EU to impose a complete ban on PFAS (forever chemicals) due to their environmental persistence and severe health risks, such as cancer. Both cities are already dealing with PFAS contamination in water and soil, affecting public health and agriculture. They argue that partial restrictions and voluntary industry actions are insufficient, calling for stronger enforcement and financial support for cleanup efforts. This plea aligns with growing environmental advocacy across Europe, with several countries pushing for a ban on thousands of PFAS chemicals. Despite resistance from the chemical industry, local governments are demanding swift action to protect citizens and the environment from further damage.