According to the new EEA briefing (29/09/2025), despite declines in some hazardous substances, pollution continues to threaten ecosystems: only 30% of surface waters achieve good chemical status (77% if uPBTs are excluded — ubiquitous Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances), eutrophication persists, and emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and PCPs (Personal Care Products) are detected in aquatic systems. Over the next decade, further reductions in chemical/plastic pollution are expected, but 2030 targets remain challenging: WFD (Water Framework Directive), ZPAP (Zero Pollution Action Plan: −50% nutrient losses), and MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). This calls for stronger implementation of the UWWTD (Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive) and IED (Industrial Emissions Directive), plus innovative monitoring using ML (Machine Learning) and non-target screening. The accompanying maps/figures highlight water bodies failing good status (Figure 1) and coastal macrolitter trends (Figure 2). For PharmaDetox, this means prioritising quaternary treatment and control of industrial effluents to cut micropollutants/pharmaceutical loads, alongside upstream interventions and advanced monitoring to support Zero Pollution goals and curb AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) drivers.