Despite numerous action plans initiated since the 1991 European nitrate directive, France has failed to effectively mitigate nitrate pollution, according to assessments from Brussels.

The Commission has pointed out chronic exceedances of nitrate levels and France's inability to implement essential measures to ensure that drinking water meets safety standards.

Nitrates, which primarily originate from agricultural runoff, can contaminate water supplies when they exceed the permissible limit of 50 milligrams per liter, adversely affecting water quality.

France has faced multiple warnings from the Commission, including a formal notice in 2020 and a reasoned opinion in 2023, regarding the persistent exceedance of the nitrate limit.

The pollution issue has been identified in 107 drinking water distribution units across seven regions, including Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Centre-Val de Loire, and Hauts-de-France.

Specifically, France has been found non-compliant in these 107 units, which are critical for providing safe drinking water.

Following five years of warnings and reminders, the Commission formally filed a complaint with the Court of Justice of the European Union on February 21, 2025.

The official notice regarding this legal action was published on April 22, 2025, marking a significant step in addressing the nitrate pollution issue.

The European Commission has launched legal proceedings against France for not adhering to nitrate standards in drinking water, which poses a significant health risk to its citizens.