While agricultural policy commands close to 40 per cent of the EU budget, it does not go far enough in addressing water concerns, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

The auditors also concluded there is insufficient knowledge, at the level of the EU institutions and in the member states, about the pressures placed on water by agricultural activities and how those pressures are evolving.

Agriculture accounts for around 33 per cent of total water use in Europe. In Malta, the pressure is greater since agriculture accounts for close to 50 per cent of groundwater extracted, and the sector is blamed for excessive nitrates in the water table in the Nitrate Action Programme.

“In Europe, agriculture is, quite naturally, a major user of water... and is a source of pressure on water resources, for example through nutrient pollution in water,” said Kevin Cardiff, the ECA member responsible for the report.

“While there has been progress, the Commission and member states need to better integrate water policy concerns with the common agricultural policy to ensure long-term sustainable water use.”

The audit by the ‘guardians of the EU’s finances’ highlighted weaknesses in the two instruments currently used to integrate water concerns into the €50 billion common agricultural policy, namely cross compliance, a mechanism linking certain payments with specific environmental requirements, and the rural development fund, which provides for financial incentives for actions going beyond compulsory legislation to improve water quality.

The report also pointed out delays and weaknesses in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. “Member states need to do more to align their rural development programmes and their actions to protect their water resources, and delays in implementing the Water Framework Directive need to be addressed,” Mr Cardiff said.

Thirteen out of 15 groundwater bodies in Malta have high nitrate levels which are in excess of the EU quality standard.