The uncontrolled and unjustified increase in the cost of bottled water in both European cities and airports

Subject: The uncontrolled and unjustified increase in the cost of bottled water in both European cities and airports

The uncontrolled and unjustified increase in the cost of bottled water in public establishments in European cities is pushing consumers, particularly young people, to order alcoholic or carbonated beverages containing sugars or additives, which are sold at a lower price than water. Furthermore, the presence of limestone and other unpleasant-tasting components excludes tap water from the list of alternative consumer solutions.

In addition, since the introduction of safety regulations concerning liquids in airports, passengers have been prevented from taking bottles of water with them beyond security checkpoints. At the same time, the price of bottled water is equal to or higher than that of alcoholic beverages. This situation raises real public health concerns.

In 2016, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe adopted a recommendation to cap the price of bottled water in European airports at EUR 1 per 50 cl bottle. Yet European airports sell bottled water at exorbitant prices, supporting commercial interests to the detriment of consumers.

1. How does the Commission intend to address this issue?

2. Does the Commission intend to cap the price of bottled water in order to protect the health of European consumers?

Submitted: 8.9.2023

Answer given by Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission

(18 January 2024)

Regulation (EC) 300/2008 (1) on common rules in the field of civil aviation security was established to keep passengers safe/prevent from explosive devices.

Neither this regulation nor other EU instruments provide for mechanisms to limit prices of bottled water. However, many European airports, as part of the Airports Council International initiative, have implemented measures to facilitate free access to water fountains and/or tap water, or to provide bottled water at reduced prices.

Considering current quality standards, regulations, and environmental requirements, tap water or water fountains stand as alternatives, which are safe and provide the most sustainable and the least costly options to citizens.

Such options have also the benefit of reducing packaging waste from bottled water. In this area, the Commission has proposed a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste (2), which contains packaging waste reduction targets as well as reuse and refill targets for beverages.

1 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008R0300

2 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0677