Activities of Petros KOKKALIS related to 2023/0232(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the council on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law)
Amendments (62)
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a directive
Title 1
Title 1
Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on Soil Monitoring and, Resilience (Soil Monitoringand Health (Soil Health Law)
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a directive
Title 1
Title 1
Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on Soil Monitoring and, Resilience (Soil Monitoringand Health (Soil Health Law)
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) It is necessary to set appropriate measures for Union-wide harmonised monitoring and assessingment of soil health, managing soils sustainably and tackling contaminated sites to achieve healthy soils by 2050, to maintain them in healthy condition and meet the Union’s objectives on climate and biodiversity, to prevent and respond to droughts and natural disasters, to protect human health and to ensure food security and safety.
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) It is necessary to set appropriate measures for Union-wide harmonised monitoring and assessingment of soil health, managing soils sustainably and tackling contaminated sites to achieve healthy soils by 2050, to maintain them in healthy condition and meet the Union’s objectives on climate and biodiversity, to prevent and respond to droughts and natural disasters, to protect human health and to ensure food security and safety.
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Soils host more than 25% of all biodiversity and are the second largest carbon pool of the planet. Due to their ability to capture and store carbon, healthy soils contribute to the achievement of the Union’s objectives on climate change. Soil biodiversity encompasses microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes, as well as larger organisms such as earthworms, insects, and plant roots, which collectively contribute to the ecological and functional diversity of soil ecosystems. Healthy soils also provide a favourable habitat for organisms to thrive and are crucial for enhancing biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. Biodiversity below and above ground are intimately connected and interact through mutualistic relationships (e.g. mycorrhizal fungi that connect plant roots).
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Soils host more than 25% of all biodiversity and are the second largest carbon pool of the planet. Due to their ability to capture and store carbon, healthy soils contribute to the achievement of the Union’s objectives on climate change. Soil biodiversity encompasses microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes, as well as larger organisms such as earthworms, insects, and plant roots, which collectively contribute to the ecological and functional diversity of soil ecosystems. Healthy soils also provide a favourable habitat for organisms to thrive and are crucial for enhancing biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. Biodiversity below and above ground are intimately connected and interact through mutualistic relationships (e.g. mycorrhizal fungi that connect plant roots).
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) Soil biodiversity is an essential component of overall biodiversity. It reflects the mix of living organisms in the soil and plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem functions and services. Soil communities are vital in providing nutritious food and clean water, in regulating water and climate and in supporting carbon and nutrient cycling.
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) Soil biodiversity is an essential component of overall biodiversity. It reflects the mix of living organisms in the soil and plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem functions and services. Soil communities are vital in providing nutritious food and clean water, in regulating water and climate and in supporting carbon and nutrient cycling.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 b (new)
Recital 19 b (new)
(19b) Soil organic matter, that contains approximately three times as much carbon as the atmosphere, is crucial for the provision of soil ecosystem services and functions, by reducing soil degradation, erosion and compaction, while increasing buffering, water holding and cation exchange capacity of the soil and soil organic carbon, which ultimately could increase crop yields. Additionally, soil organic matter positively affects soil biodiversity and could increase the carbon sequestered in soils, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 b (new)
Recital 19 b (new)
(19b) Soil organic matter, that contains approximately three times as much carbon as the atmosphere, is crucial for the provision of soil ecosystem services and functions, by reducing soil degradation, erosion and compaction, while increasing buffering, water holding and cation exchange capacity of the soil and soil organic carbon, which ultimately could increase crop yields. Additionally, soil organic matter positively affects soil biodiversity and could increase the carbon sequestered in soils, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The long-term objective of the Directive is to achieve healthy soils by 2050. In order to achieve that aim, it is necessary to set quantified targets at Union and Member State levels. National targets should be established by national law in order to ensure adequate progress and accountability in relation to them. As an intermediate step, in light of the limited knowledge about the condition of soils and about the effectiveness and costs of the measures to regenerate their health, the directive takes a staged approach by setting intermediate binding targets to ensure the progress. In the first stage the focus will be on setting up the soil monitoring framework and assessing the situation of soils throughout the EU. It also includes requirements to lay down measures to manage soils sustainably and regenerate unhealthy soils once their condition is established, but without imposing an obligation to achieve healthy soils by 2050 neither intermediate targets. This proportionate approach will allow sustainable soil management and regeneration of unhealthy soils to be well prepared, and incentivised and set in motion. In a second stage, as soon as the results of the first assessment of soils and trends analysis are available, the Commission will take stock of the progress towards the 2050 objective and the experience thereof, and will propose a review of the directive if necessary to accelerate progress towards 2050.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The long-term objective of the Directive is to achieve healthy soils by 2050. In order to achieve that aim, it is necessary to set quantified targets at Union and Member State levels. National targets should be established by national law in order to ensure adequate progress and accountability in relation to them. As an intermediate step, in light of the limited knowledge about the condition of soils and about the effectiveness and costs of the measures to regenerate their health, the directive takes a staged approach by setting intermediate binding targets to ensure the progress. In the first stage the focus will be on setting up the soil monitoring framework and assessing the situation of soils throughout the EU. It also includes requirements to lay down measures to manage soils sustainably and regenerate unhealthy soils once their condition is established, but without imposing an obligation to achieve healthy soils by 2050 neither intermediate targets. This proportionate approach will allow sustainable soil management and regeneration of unhealthy soils to be well prepared, and incentivised and set in motion. In a second stage, as soon as the results of the first assessment of soils and trends analysis are available, the Commission will take stock of the progress towards the 2050 objective and the experience thereof, and will propose a review of the directive if necessary to accelerate progress towards 2050.
Amendment 137 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to make the widest possible use of soil health data generated by the monitoring carried out under this Directive, Member States should be required to facilitate the access to such data for relevant stakeholders such as farmers, foresters, land owners, land managers, researchers, citizens and local authorities.
Amendment 137 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to make the widest possible use of soil health data generated by the monitoring carried out under this Directive, Member States should be required to facilitate the access to such data for relevant stakeholders such as farmers, foresters, land owners, land managers, researchers, citizens and local authorities.
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) To maintain or enhance soil health, soils need to be managed sustainably. Sustainable soil management will enable the long-term provision of soil services, including improved air and water quality, biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and food security. It is therefore appropriate to lay down sustainable soil management principles to guide soil management practices.
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) To maintain or enhance soil health, soils need to be managed sustainably. Sustainable soil management will enable the long-term provision of soil services, including improved air and water quality, biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and food security. It is therefore appropriate to lay down sustainable soil management principles to guide soil management practices.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) Organic farming has a unique approach to actively improve soil health. It develops soil fertility in a systemic manner, which enables multiple environmental benefits. Organic agriculture fosters healthy soils while contributing significantly to protecting biodiversity, preventing pollution by avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation through increased soil organic carbon stocks and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The development of the organic farming system is an important driver to achieve the objectives of this Directive and should be incentivised.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) Organic farming has a unique approach to actively improve soil health. It develops soil fertility in a systemic manner, which enables multiple environmental benefits. Organic agriculture fosters healthy soils while contributing significantly to protecting biodiversity, preventing pollution by avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation through increased soil organic carbon stocks and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The development of the organic farming system is an important driver to achieve the objectives of this Directive and should be incentivised.
Amendment 151 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Regeneration brings degraded soils back to healthy condition. When defining soil regeneration measures, Member States should be required to take into account the outcome of the soil health assessment and to adapt those regeneration measures to the specific characteristics of the situation, the type, the use and the condition of the soil and the local, climatic and environmental conditions. It is important that Member States prepare detailed national soil health plans based on the defined soil regeneration measures and the best available scientific evidence.
Amendment 151 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Regeneration brings degraded soils back to healthy condition. When defining soil regeneration measures, Member States should be required to take into account the outcome of the soil health assessment and to adapt those regeneration measures to the specific characteristics of the situation, the type, the use and the condition of the soil and the local, climatic and environmental conditions. It is important that Member States prepare detailed national soil health plans based on the defined soil regeneration measures and the best available scientific evidence.
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) To ensure synergies between the different measures adopted under other Union legislation that may have an impact on soil health, and the measures that are to be put in place in the national soil health plans to sustainably manage and regenerate soils in the Union, Member States should ensure that the sustainable soil management and regeneration practices are coherent with the national restoration plans adopted in accordance with Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council53 +; the national biodiversity strategies and action plans established in accordance with Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common Agricultural Policy in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, the codes of good agricultural practices and the action programmes for designated vulnerable zones adopted in accordance with Council Directive 91/676/EEC54 , the conservation measures and prioritized action framework established for Natura 2000 sites in accordance with Council Directive 92/43/EEC55 , the measures for achieving good ecological and chemical status of water bodies included in river basin management plans prepared in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council56 , the flood risk management measures established in accordance with Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council57 , the drought management plans promoted in the Union Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change58 , the national action programmes established in accordance with Article 10 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, targets set out under Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council59 and Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council60 , the integrated national energy and climate plans established in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council61 , the national air pollution control programmes prepared under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council62 , risk assessments and disaster risk management planning established in accordance with Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council63 , and national action plans established in accordance with Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council64 +. Sustainable soil management and regeneration practices should be, as far as possible, integrated within these programmes, plans and measures to the extent that they contribute to the achievement of their objectives. Consequently, relevant indicators and data, such as soil-related result indicators under the CAP Regulation and statistical data on agricultural input and output reported under Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 of the European Parliament and of the Council65 , should be accessible to the competent authorities responsible for sustainable soil management and regeneration practices and soil health assessment in order to cross-link these data and indicators and thus enable the most accurate possible assessment of the effectiveness of the measures chosen. __________________ 53 OP : please insert please insert in the text the number of Regulation on nature restoration contained in document COM(2022) 304 and insert the number, date, title and OJ reference of that Regulation in the footnote Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council on nature restoration 54 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1). 55 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). 56 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, pp. 1-73). 57 Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27). 58 Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change COM(2021)82 final. 59 Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework, and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 and Decision No 529/2013/EU (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 1). 60 Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26). 61 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1). 62 Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1). 63 Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924). 64 + OP: please insert in the text the number of the Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 contained in document COM(2022)305 and insert the number, date, title and OJ reference of that Directive in the footnote 65 Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 on statistics on agricultural input and output.
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) To ensure synergies between the different measures adopted under other Union legislation that may have an impact on soil health, and the measures that are to be put in place in the national soil health plans to sustainably manage and regenerate soils in the Union, Member States should ensure that the sustainable soil management and regeneration practices are coherent with the national restoration plans adopted in accordance with Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council53 +; the national biodiversity strategies and action plans established in accordance with Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common Agricultural Policy in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, the codes of good agricultural practices and the action programmes for designated vulnerable zones adopted in accordance with Council Directive 91/676/EEC54 , the conservation measures and prioritized action framework established for Natura 2000 sites in accordance with Council Directive 92/43/EEC55 , the measures for achieving good ecological and chemical status of water bodies included in river basin management plans prepared in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council56 , the flood risk management measures established in accordance with Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council57 , the drought management plans promoted in the Union Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change58 , the national action programmes established in accordance with Article 10 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, targets set out under Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council59 and Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council60 , the integrated national energy and climate plans established in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council61 , the national air pollution control programmes prepared under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council62 , risk assessments and disaster risk management planning established in accordance with Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council63 , and national action plans established in accordance with Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council64 +. Sustainable soil management and regeneration practices should be, as far as possible, integrated within these programmes, plans and measures to the extent that they contribute to the achievement of their objectives. Consequently, relevant indicators and data, such as soil-related result indicators under the CAP Regulation and statistical data on agricultural input and output reported under Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 of the European Parliament and of the Council65 , should be accessible to the competent authorities responsible for sustainable soil management and regeneration practices and soil health assessment in order to cross-link these data and indicators and thus enable the most accurate possible assessment of the effectiveness of the measures chosen. __________________ 53 OP : please insert please insert in the text the number of Regulation on nature restoration contained in document COM(2022) 304 and insert the number, date, title and OJ reference of that Regulation in the footnote Regulation (UE) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council on nature restoration 54 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1). 55 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). 56 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, pp. 1-73). 57 Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27). 58 Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change COM(2021)82 final. 59 Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework, and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 and Decision No 529/2013/EU (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 1). 60 Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26). 61 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1). 62 Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1). 63 Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924). 64 + OP: please insert in the text the number of the Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 contained in document COM(2022)305 and insert the number, date, title and OJ reference of that Directive in the footnote 65 Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 on statistics on agricultural input and output.
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) The Commission should carry out an evidence-based evaluation and, where relevant, a revision of this Directive, 6 years after its entry into force on the basis of the results of the soil health assessment. The evaluation should assess in particular the progress made towards the intermediate targets for 2035 and 2040, and the need to set more specific requirements to make sure unhealthy soils are regenerated and the overarching objective to achieve healthy soils by 2050 is achieved. The evaluation should also assess the need to adapt the definition of healthy soils to scientific and technical progress by adding provisions on certain descriptors or criteria based on new scientific evidence relating to the protection of soils or on the grounds of a problem specific to a Member State arising from new environmental or climatic circumstances. Pursuant to paragraph 22 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, that evaluation should be based on the criteria of efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence and EU value added and should provide the basis for impact assessments of possible further measures.
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) The Commission should carry out an evidence-based evaluation and, where relevant, a revision of this Directive, 6 years after its entry into force on the basis of the results of the soil health assessment. The evaluation should assess in particular the progress made towards the intermediate targets for 2035 and 2040, and the need to set more specific requirements to make sure unhealthy soils are regenerated and the overarching objective to achieve healthy soils by 2050 is achieved. The evaluation should also assess the need to adapt the definition of healthy soils to scientific and technical progress by adding provisions on certain descriptors or criteria based on new scientific evidence relating to the protection of soils or on the grounds of a problem specific to a Member State arising from new environmental or climatic circumstances. Pursuant to paragraph 22 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, that evaluation should be based on the criteria of efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence and EU value added and should provide the basis for impact assessments of possible further measures.
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. This Directive establishes a framework within which Member States shall continuously improve soil health and maintain soils already in a healthy condition in order to ensure that all soils in the Union are in a healthy condition by 2050 at the latest.
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. This Directive establishes a framework within which Member States shall continuously improve soil health and maintain soils already in a healthy condition in order to ensure that all soils in the Union are in a healthy condition by 2050 at the latest.
Amendment 191 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1a Targets 1. In order to reach the healthy soils objective set out in paragraph 1 of this Article, this Directive sets a binding target of 100% healthy soils across the Union by 2050. 2. This Directive also sets the following intermediate soil health targets: (a) a binding target of achieving 60 % healthy soils across the Union by 2035; (b) a binding target of achieving 85 % healthy soils across the Union by 2040; 3. The Union and its Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union, national and regional level, respectively, to enable the collective achievement of the healthy soils objective set out in paragraph 1 and the soil health targets set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.
Amendment 191 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1a Targets 1. In order to reach the healthy soils objective set out in paragraph 1 of this Article, this Directive sets a binding target of 100% healthy soils across the Union by 2050. 2. This Directive also sets the following intermediate soil health targets: (a) a binding target of achieving 60 % healthy soils across the Union by 2035; (b) a binding target of achieving 85 % healthy soils across the Union by 2040; 3. The Union and its Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union, national and regional level, respectively, to enable the collective achievement of the healthy soils objective set out in paragraph 1 and the soil health targets set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.
Amendment 220 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘sustainable soil management’ means soil and land management practices that maintain or enhance soil biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by the soil without impairing the functions enabling those services, or being detrimental to other properties of the environment;
Amendment 220 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘sustainable soil management’ means soil and land management practices that maintain or enhance soil biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by the soil without impairing the functions enabling those services, or being detrimental to other properties of the environment;
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19
(19) ‘public concerned’ means the public affected or likely to be affected by soil degradation, or having an interest in the decision-making procedures related to the implementation of the obligations under this Directive, including citizens, land owners and land users, as well as non- governmental organisations promoting the protection of human health or the environment and meeting any requirements under national law.
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19
(19) ‘public concerned’ means the public affected or likely to be affected by soil degradation, or having an interest in the decision-making procedures related to the implementation of the obligations under this Directive, including citizens, land owners and land users, as well as non- governmental organisations promoting the protection of human health or the environment and meeting any requirements under national law.
Amendment 276 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Member States shall by ... [OP: please insert the date = 9 months from the date of entry into force of this Directive] designate the competent authorities responsible at an appropriate level for carrying out the duties laid down in this Directive.
Amendment 276 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Member States shall by ... [OP: please insert the date = 9 months from the date of entry into force of this Directive] designate the competent authorities responsible at an appropriate level for carrying out the duties laid down in this Directive.
Amendment 286 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall prepare national soil health plans and carry out the monitoring, assessment and research needed to identify the sustainable soil management measures that are necessary to meet the targets and obligations set out in Article 1a, taking into account the latest scientific evidence.
Amendment 286 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall prepare national soil health plans and carry out the monitoring, assessment and research needed to identify the sustainable soil management measures that are necessary to meet the targets and obligations set out in Article 1a, taking into account the latest scientific evidence.
Amendment 317 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. Member States may set additional soil descriptors and land take indicators, including but not limited to the optional descriptors and indicators listed in part C and D of Annex I, for monitoring purposes (‘additional soil descriptors’ and ‘additional land take indicators’). including concentration of land 1b. __________________ 1b UAA land under the ownership of the same group or parent structure
Amendment 393 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall communicproactively communicate and disseminate soil health data and assessment referred to in Articles 6 to 9 to the relevant land owners and land managers upon their request, in particular to support the development of the advice referred to in Article 10(3). Soil health data shall be communicated to the relevant land owners and land managers in a user-friendly format and without undue delay.
Amendment 404 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
From (OP: please insert the date = 4 years after date of entry into force of the Directive), Member States shall take at least the following measures, taking into account the geographical and climatic differences, type, use and condition of soil:
Amendment 412 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) defining sustainable soil management practices respecting the sustainable soil management principles listed in Annex III to be gradually implemented on all managed soils taking into consideration local conditions in the soil districts, and, on the basis of the outcome of the soil assessments carried out in accordance with Article 9, regeneration practices to be gradually implemented on the unhealthy soils in the Member States;
Amendment 430 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
When preparing their national soil health plans and defining the practices and measures referred to in this paragraph, Member States shall take into account the programmes, plans, targets and measures listed in Annex IV as well as the latest existing scientific knowledge including results coming out of the Horizon Europe Mission a Soil Deal for Europe.
Amendment 434 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Based on the soil health monitoring data, the results of the soil health assessments, the analysis referred to in Article 9 and the sustainable soil management measures, Member States shall draw up a soil health plan, identifying synergies with the programmes, plans and measures set out in Annex IV.
Amendment 438 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Member States shall ensure that the process of elaboration, review and revision of the practices referred to in the first subparagraph is open, inclusive and effective and that the public concerned, in particularsuch as landowners and managers, researchers, citizens, non-governmental organisations promoting the protection of human health, agroecological food systems or the environment are involved and are given early and effective opportunities to participate in all stages of their elaboration.
Amendment 446 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) promoting research, innovation and implementation of holistic soil management concepts;
Amendment 449 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) strengthening knowledge exchange and the roll-out of independent farm advisory services in line with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.
Amendment 450 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Soil management practices established as EU standards for good agricultural and environmental condition of land (GAEC) as referred to in Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 shall be obligatory for all land and soil users within the Member States. The GAEC standards shall constitute a baseline for the definition of sustainable soil management practices by each Member State in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article. Soil management practices established as EU standards for good agricultural and environmental condition of land (GAEC) as referred to in Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 shall be obligatory for all land and soil users within the Member States. The GAEC standards shall constitute a baseline for the definition of sustainable soil management practices by each Member State in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article.
Amendment 452 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall at least every three years or more, regularly assess the effectiveness of the practices and measures taken in accordance with this Article and included in the national soil health plans and, where relevant, review and revise those measures, taking into account the soil health monitoring and assessment referred to in Articles 6 to 9.
Amendment 464 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall put appropriate measures in place to achieve the target of zero net land take by 2050 and ensure that the following principles are respected in case of land take:
Amendment 470 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) avoid or reduce as much as technically and economically possible the loss of the capacity of the soil to provide multiple ecosystem services, including food production, by:
Amendment 477 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) reducing the area affected by the land take to the extent possible and
Amendment 485 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) performing the land take in a way that minimizes the negative impact on soil; and,
Amendment 488 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) preventing land take and soil sealing of high-quality farmland soils;
Amendment 497 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) compensate as much as possible the loss of soil capacity to provide multiple ecosystem services with land that provides equal or enhanced ecosystem services compared to the soil that was subject to land take.
Amendment 559 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
When implementing the obligations set out in this Directive, Member States shall make use of local, regional and national funds, and available Union funds, to finance monitoring and restoration actions.
Amendment 561 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
By 12 months from the entry into force of this Directive, the Commission shall, in consultation with Member States, submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council containing: (a) an overview of financial resources available at the EU level for the purpose of implementing this Directive; (b) an assessment of the funding needs to implement the obligations under this Directive; (c) an analysis to identify any funding gaps in the implementation of the obligations set out in the Regulation; (d) where appropriate, proposals for adequate measures, including financial measures to address the gaps identified, in particular the establishment of dedicated EU soil funding, and without prejudging the prerogatives of co-legislators for the adoption of the multiannual financial framework post 2027.
Amendment 580 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall make publicpublish and make available and easily accessible to the public via the internet or any other appropriate means the data generated by the monitoring carried out under Article 8 and the assessment carried out under Article 9 of this Directive accessible to the public, in accordance with the provisions under Article 11 of Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council80 for geographically explicit data and Article 5 of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 for other data. __________________ 80 Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2007 establishing an Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) (OJ L 108, 25.4.2007, p. 1).
Amendment 614 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) the population or the environment affected by the violation, bearing in mind the impact of the infringement on the objective of achieving a high level of protection of human health and the environment and the ‘polluter pays’ principle. .
Amendment 641 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – Part B
Annex I – Part B
Part B: soil descriptors with criteria for healthy soil condition established at Member States level Excess nutrient Extractable < “maximum value”; No exclusion content in soil phosphorus (mg Thevalue”; The per kg) “maximum value” per kg) shall be laid down by by the Member State State within the range 30-50 range 30-50 mg kg-1 Soil - concentration Reasonable assurance, No exclusion contamination of heavy obtainedassurance, obtained metals in soil: from soil point metals in soil: As, Sb, Cd, sampling, Co, Cr (total), identification and As, Sb, Cd, Cr (VI), Cu, and investigation of Co, Cr (total), Hg, Pb, Ni, Tl, contaminated sites and Cr (VI), Cu, V, Zn (µg per and any other kg) relevant Hg, Pb, Ni, Tl, information, that no V, Zn (µg per unacceptable risk for kg) for human health and the environment from soil soil contamination exists. exists. - concentration Habitats with naturally of a selection highnaturally high of organic concentration of of organic contaminants heavy metals that are contaminants established by are included in Annex I of established byMember Council DirectiveAnnex I of Council Member States and 92/43/EEC3 shall Directive and taking into remain protected. 92/43/EEC3 shall account remain protected. existing concentration limits e.g. for water quality and air emissions in Union legislation Reduction of soil Soil water holding The estimated value for No exclusion capacity to retain capacity of the for the total water holding water soil sample (% of holding capacity of volume of water / a soil district by volume of water / by river basin or volume of saturated soil) subbasin is above the saturated soil) the minimal threshold. - The minimal threshold shall be set (in tonnes) by the Member State at soil district and river basin or subbasin level at such a value that the impacts of floodings following intense rain events or of periods of low soil moisture due to drought events are mitigated. ______________________Concentrati threshold shall be ons of active set (in tonnes) by substances of the Member State at plant soil district and protection river basin or products and subbasin level at biocides such a value that the impacts of floodings following intense rain events or of periods of low soil moisture due to drought events are mitigated. - Concentration of veterinary products residues ______________________ 3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).
Amendment 648 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – Part C
Annex I – Part C
Part C: soil descriptors without criteria Aspect of soil degradation Soil descriptor Excess nutrient content in soil Nitrogen in soil (mg g-1) Acidification Soil acidity (pH) Topsoil compaction Bulk density in topsoil (A-horizon1) (g cm-3) Loss of soil biodiversity Soil basal respiration (mm3 O2 g-1 hr-1) in dry soilAmong those soil descriptors, the Member States should choose at least one: Community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) to analyse the metabolic activity of microorganisms in a mixed microbial community. Shifts in microbial populations often indicate upcoming changes in the overall health of the environment. Metabarcoding (eDNA) to characterise biodiversity, establish diversity thresholds and monitor community changes. Member States mayshall also select other optional soil descriptors for for biodiversity such as: - metabarcoding of bacteria, fungi, protists and animals; - abundance and diversity of nematodes; - microbial biomass; - abundance and diversity of earthworms (in cropland); - invasive alien species and plant pests. ______________________ 1 As defined in the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description, Chapter 5 (https://www.fao.org/3/a0541e/a0541e.pdf )
Amendment 653 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – Part B
Annex II – Part B
Part B: Methodology for determining or estimating the values of soil descriptors Soil descriptor Reference Minimum methodological Validated methodology criteria transfer function required (if using a methodology different from the reference methodology6)? Soil texture (clay, silt Preferred method: ISO YES and sand content – 11277:1998 needed for the Determination of determination of other particle size descriptors and related distribution in mineral ranges) soil material – Method by sieving and sedimentation Alternative method: ISO13320:2009 Particle size analysis – Laser diffraction methods Electrical Conductivity Option 1: saturated soil YES Conductivity paste extract (eEC) measurement method (FAO SOP: GLOSOLAN-SOP- 087) Option 2: ISO 11265:1994 Determination of The Specific Electrical Conductivity; Soil erosion rate Soil erosion rate estimation N/A shall take into account all actions taken to mitigate or compensate the erosion risk, risk, including post-fire mitigation measures. Soil erosion rate estimation shall include all relevant erosion processes such as erosion by water, wind, harvest and tillage. Soil erosion by water shall be assessed by considering the following factors: - soil characteristics (e.g. erodibility, soil crusting, soil roughness), - climate (e.g. rainfall erosivity – intensity and duration, considering relevant climate change projections for a given area), - topography (e.g. slope steepness and length), - vegetation cover, crop type, land use and management practices to control or reduce erosion, - management practices (e.g. cover crops, reduced tillage, mulching, etc.), - burned areas. Soil erosion by wind shall be assessed by considering the following factors: - soil characteristics (e.g. erodibility), - climate (e.g. soil moisture, wind speed, evaporation), - vegetation (e.g. crop type), - management practices to control or reduce erosion (e.g. wind breaks). Soil Organic Carbon ISO 10694:1995 YES (SOC) Determination of organic and total carbon after dry combustion Bulk density in subsoil ISO 11272:2017 for YES (B horizon8) or determination of dry equivalent9 parameter bulk density chosen by Member States In case an equivalent parameter is chosen, the methodology shall be either a European or International standard when available; if such standard is not available, the methodology chosen shall either be available in the scientificavailable in the scientific literature or publicly publicly available. Extractable phosphorus ISO 11263:1994 for YES phosphorus spectrometric determination of phosphorus soluble in sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (P- Olsen) - - Concentration of Potential YES heavy metals in soil: environmental soil: As, Sb, Cd, Co, Cr available content of (total), Cr (VI), Cu, Co, Cr (total), Cr heavy metals in soils Hg, Pb, Ni, Tl, V, Zn (VI), Cu, Hg, Pb, based on ISO Ni, Tl, V, Zn 17586:2016 using dilute nitric acid. - Concentration of a Use European or N/A selection of organic International standards contaminants defined organic when available; if such by Member States and contaminants standard is not available, taking into account defined by the methodology chosen existing EU legislation Member States shall either be available in (e.g. on water quality and taking into the scientific literature or or account existing publicly available EU legislation (e.g. on water quality or pesticides) - Concentrations of active substances of plant publicly available protection products and transformation products of these active substances - Concentration of veterinary products residues Soil water holding Methodology to Minimum criteria for YES (for point capacity determine the value for estimating the total soil value) one sample point: water holding capacity of a soil district on a river basin or sub-basin scale: Option 1: - for the area of land not LABORATORY: ISO taken estimate the total 11274:2019 for value of soil water determination of the holding capacity water-retention characteristic. Option 2: - for the area of land ESTIMATION: apply taken, consider setting methodology described the water holding in the scientific article capacity of impervious “New generation of areas to zero, hydraulic pedotransfer attributing functions for Europe”10 proportionately based on texture (or intermediate values to particle size semi-impervious and distribution) and soil other artificial areas. organic carbon. Nitrogen in soil ISO 11261:1995 for YES determination of total soil nitrogen using a modified Kjeldahl method Soil acidity ISO 10390:2005 for YES determination of pH in H2O and CaCl2 extract (pH-H2O and pH- CaCl2) Bulk density in ISO 11272:2017 for YES “topsoil” (A- horizon11) determination of dry horizon11) bulk density Soil basal respiration Follow indications YES described in the scientific article “Microbial biomass and activities in soil as affected by frozen and cold storage”13 Member States may also select optional soil biodiversity descriptors such as: - Metabarcoding12 of For other soil bacteria, fungi, biodiversity protists and descriptors: animals; N/A - Abundance and Use European or diversity of international standards nematodes; when available; if such standard is not available, the methodology chosen shall either be available in the scientific literature or publicly available. - Microbial biomass; - Abundance and diversity of earthworms (in cropland) ______________________ 5 Bethel, J. 1989. “Sample Allocation in Multivariate Surveys.” Survey Methodology 15: 47–57. 6 The methodologies different from the reference methodology shall either be available in the scientific literature or publicly available. 7 https://www.fao.org/3/cb3355en/cb3355en.pdf 8 As defined in the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description, Chapter 5 (https://www.fao.org/3/a0541e/a0541e.pdf ) 9 Equivalent according to the EEA report: Soil monitoring in Europe – Indicators and thresholds for soil health assessments — European Environment Agency (europa.eu) 10 11 As defined in the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description, Chapter 5 (https://www.fao.org/3/a0541e/a0541e.pdf ) 12 Sequencing of DNA barcodes for measuring taxonomical and functional diversity of archaea, bacteria, fungi and other eukaryotes as was done for LUCAS Soil Biodiversity based on https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.13299 13 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038071797001259
Amendment 669 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) avoid inputs or release of substances , such as pesticides, into soil that may harm human health or the environment, or degrade soil health;
Amendment 676 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point e
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) when fertilization is applied, ensure adaptation to the needs of the plant and trees at the given location and in the given period, and to the condition of soil, reduce and preferably avoid the use of chemical fertilisers and prioritize circular solutions that enrich the organic content;