The rejection could have serious financial consequences, as Germany now risks losing billions in EU subsidies. Furthermore, the European Commission threatens to take legal action against Germany for failing to comply with the directives.
Some federal states are pushing for a mediation committee to find a compromise, while others are concerned about the potential impact on the agricultural sector.
BMEL Minister Özdemir is now under pressure to quickly find a solution that ensures both environmental goals and the economic interests of farmers.
Bundestag member Linda Heitmann (Bundnis/Greens) is outraged over the rejection of the fertilizer law in the Bundesrat aimed at reducing nitrate contamination of groundwater. 'I find it troubling that individual federal states are playing political games at the expense of water purity and the health of all political players. Because of the blockade in the Bundesrat, we now risk resuming EU infringement procedures and paying heavy fines.'
In an interview with the political weekly ‘Das Parlament,’ Heitmann also advocates for uniform water discharge charges across Germany. Companies should not be able to choose their location based on where water is cheapest, said the representative from Hamburg. 'We must avoid location competition at the expense of the environment.'