Highlights

Europe’s bathing waters continue to improve

Arthur Girling — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:55:00 +0200

Ninety-four per cent of bathing sites in the European Union meet minimum standards for water quality, according to the European Environment Agency's annual report on bathing water quality in Europe. Water quality is excellent at 78 % of sites and almost 2 % more sites meet the minimum requirements compared to last year's report.

Clean water at majority of EU holiday destinations

Arthur Girling — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

Good news if you're planning a beach holiday in Europe this summer: 92.1 % of bathing waters in the European Union now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive. This includes the Serpentine Lake in London, which will host several Olympics events, including the Open Water Marathon Swim and the swimming section of the triathlon.

EU bathing water quality remains high

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:50:00 +0200

Clean bathing waters are vital for key economic sectors such as tourism and for plant and animal life. The annual bathing water report presented by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency shows that 96 % of coastal bathing areas and 90 % of bathing sites in rivers and lakes complied with minimum standards in 2009. It also describes where to obtain detailed and up-to-date information on bathing sites.

The Alps: Europe’s cherished but endangered mountains

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0200

As the ‘water towers of Europe’, the Alps play a crucial role in sustaining the social and economic wellbeing of millions of people living in vast lowland areas. A complex and vulnerable ecosystem, they represent Europe’s central landmark.

A greener music festival in Roskilde

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0200

The European Environment Agency (EEA) is teaming up with Roskilde Festival to give thousands of music fans visiting Denmark this week relevant, up-to-date information about Europe's environment.The Roskilde Festival is northern Europe's biggest music event, drawing 100 000 visitors from around the world and bringing together some of the world's leading rock, pop, soul, R&B, electronic and hip hop artists.

Everything about your favourite beach is now at your fingertips

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0200

How is the water quality at your favourite bathing spot? What do other beachgoers think? What does the beach look like? The European Environment Agency (EEA) and Microsoft environmental information portal 'Eye on Earth' shows not only the latest information on water quality but also user ratings and comments, pictures and live webcam streaming.

Bathing water quality improving in the EU

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0200

The annual bathing water report presented by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency reveals that the large majority of bathing sites across the European Union met EU hygiene standards in 2008. During that bathing season some 96 % of coastal bathing areas and 92 % of bathing sites in rivers and lakes complied with minimum standards. The report provides useful water quality information for the millions of people who visit Europe's beaches every summer.