Spanish and Bulgarian rivers face critical quality levels in Europe

A study led by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) reveals that while the ecological status of European rivers is slowly improving, the pace is insufficient to meet 2030 environmental restoration goals.

Spain and Bulgaria have been identified as having the most critical river quality levels in Europe. In contrast, Slovenia is the only country currently on a trajectory that aligns with the 2030 environmental objectives. Other countries with positive assessments include Finland, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, and Denmark, though researchers note these nations must reinforce management policies to maintain sustainable levels.

Lead author María Pachés of the Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente (IIAMA-UPV) emphasized that monitoring the speed of improvement is as vital as knowing the current state to ensure biodiversity and functionality can be guaranteed by the end of the decade.