Copenhagen, Capital Region, Denmark – New EU assessment finds over 85% of European bathing sites achieve excellent water quality standards
COPENHAGEN — The vast majority of Europe’s beaches and bathing waters continue to offer excellent conditions for swimming, according to a new assessment released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) ahead of the busy summer holiday season.
The report highlights the success of decades of environmental regulations and investments in wastewater treatment that have significantly improved water quality across the continent.
The latest findings show that more than 85 percent of monitored bathing sites across the European Union achieved the highest “excellent” water quality classification.
Meanwhile, 96 percent of all officially monitored bathing waters met at least the minimum quality standards required under EU legislation. Only around 1.5 percent of bathing sites were rated as having poor water quality.
The annual assessment was prepared jointly by the EEA and the European Commission and examined more than 22,000 bathing sites across EU member states as well as participating countries including Albania and Switzerland.
The report focuses on monitoring bacteria levels that can pose health risks to swimmers, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci.
According to the report, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Austria and Croatia emerged as the best-performing countries, with at least 95 percent of their bathing waters receiving an excellent rating.
These countries have consistently maintained high standards through effective water management and environmental monitoring programs.
EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen welcomed the findings, saying Europeans can enjoy cleaner and safer bathing waters thanks to strong implementation of EU environmental rules.
She noted that sustained efforts by governments, regulators and local authorities have helped ensure that beaches, lakes and rivers remain suitable for recreational use during the summer season.
The report also revealed a notable difference between coastal and inland bathing waters. Coastal sites generally performed better, with approximately 88 to 89 percent classified as excellent.
In contrast, around 78 percent of inland bathing waters, including rivers and lakes, achieved the same rating. Experts say inland waters are often more vulnerable to pollution from agricultural runoff, heavy rainfall and wastewater discharges.
Despite these challenges, water quality across Europe has improved dramatically over recent decades. Environmental officials credit this progress to the EU Bathing Water Directive, which introduced systematic monitoring, stricter reporting requirements and improved public information systems.
Significant investments in wastewater treatment facilities and sewage infrastructure have also reduced contamination in many waterways.
The European Commission noted that many rivers and urban waterways once considered unsuitable for swimming are now accessible to the public due to cleaner water conditions.
In several European cities, residents and tourists have increasingly returned to rivers for recreation, reflecting the success of environmental restoration efforts.
However, environmental experts caution that challenges remain. While the bathing water assessment focuses primarily on bacterial contamination that can directly affect human health, it does not measure other pollutants such as microplastics, chemical residues, pesticides and PFAS compounds.
Researchers warn that addressing these emerging environmental threats will require additional monitoring and policy action in the coming years. Climate change also presents new risks to water quality.
Increased rainfall, flooding and extreme weather events can overwhelm wastewater systems and introduce pollutants into rivers and coastal areas. Environmental agencies across Europe are working to strengthen resilience and improve infrastructure to reduce these risks.
The report arrives as millions of Europeans prepare for summer vacations, making beach and water safety a key concern for tourists and local authorities alike.
Officials say the assessment provides valuable information for travelers seeking safe swimming destinations and helps municipalities identify areas requiring additional environmental management.
The EEA emphasized that maintaining high water quality standards will require continued cooperation among governments, environmental agencies and local communities.
Investments in wastewater treatment, pollution prevention and sustainable water management remain essential to preserving Europe’s bathing waters for future generations.
With more than eight out of every ten monitored bathing sites now rated excellent, Europe enters the 2026 summer season with some of the cleanest and safest recreational waters in the world.
The findings underscore how long-term environmental policies and infrastructure investments can deliver tangible benefits for public health, tourism and ecosystem protection.