Fórsa is to seek the Irish Government’s support for a European Commission proposal to change the EU’s drinking water directive. The proposed changes include increased obligations to protect vulnerable and marginalised groups who may have difficulty accessing clean water.

The move came after the federation of European public service unions called on the Irish Government to give its support. The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) says the EU proposal is a step in the right direction, although it wants changes to go further.

EPSU, of which Fórsa is a member, also says the proposed changes are the result of the trade union-led Right2Water campaign, which attracted over a million signatures as part of a formal European Citizens Initiative (ECI).

EPSU has warned that EU member states may try to dilute the proposed changes, which would undermine the pursuit of the human right to water championed by the United Nations.

Union leaders believe a 25th June meeting of the EU’s Environment Council is a crucial test for the proposal. The meeting will be the first opportunity for member states to discuss the changes. A positive response to the proposal would be an important recognition of the ECI Right2Water campaign and a step towards the application of a human right to water in the EU.

The recast directive on drinking water is available here.