Greens call for bold action on PFAS

03 July 2025

The European Greens have sent a Priority Written Question to the European Commission, to demand action on PFAS, the group of substances also known as ‘forever chemicals’. The question is addressed by two green MEPs: Co-President Bas Eickhout and Cristina Guarda. The question focuses on trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a product of the degradation of PFAS substances, after a report was published by watchdog Follow The Money, raising concerns about a potential food and water crisis in Europe due to this pollution.

The greens demand that TFA levels be considered in the limit value of PFAS, currently 0.5 micrograms per liter. They also advocate for a comprehensive ban of PFAS-containing pesticides and fluorinated gases, and for legal modifications to implement a systematic monitoring of TFA values.  

The European Commission is under increasing pressure to act. PFAS and other persistent pollutants are building up in EU waters, with health-related costs estimated between €52 and €84 billion per year, according to estimates by the Forever Lobbying Project. Under the REACH regulation, the Commission plans to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams, a major source of emissions.

SAFE calls for decisive action to tackle PFAS at the source.