The European Union Regulation 2020/741: From the Management of Water Resources to the EU Legislation for Its Reuse

EU Regulation 2020/741, in force since June 26, 2023, introduces minimum standards for water reuse across the European Union, addressing water scarcity and quality deterioration amid climate change. The Regulation fits into the multilevel regulatory framework in a peculiar way: on the one hand, the EU is adopting a regulation on the subject for the first time; on the other hand, the Regulation has a very particular physiology. It emphasizes the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal. The Regulation promotes a circular economy, adaptation to climate change, and compliance with Directive 2000/60/EC. This Regulation allows Member States a degree of flexibility while requiring justification for any decisions not to engage in water reuse. Moreover, the Regulation imposes obligations for permits related to water production and distribution, facilitating harmonization between national and EU legal frameworks. Italy’s adherence to the Environmental Code and National Recovery and Resilience Plan underscores its dedication to environmental preservation. Efforts are underway to address disparities between national and EU legislation, with a particular emphasis on transparency and public awareness to ensure regulatory compliance and the protection of water resources in accordance with constitutional and international sustainability goals. The evolution of European and national regulations toward collaborative water resource management underscores a shift toward sustainability, necessitating educational integration. Water, pivotal in SustainableDevelopment Goals 6 and 14, intersects various objectives such as zero hunger, health, responsible consumption, and cultural heritage preservation. Recognizing water’s role in heritage, initiatives like the Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET) foster collaboration among stakeholders. WAMU-NET’s endorsement by UNESCO-IHP highlights its significance in advancing global water sustainability education and actions. Through knowledge exchange and capacitybuilding, these networks empower communities for sustainable water management, representing collective efforts toward conscientious resource utilization.