7th EU Mentoring Group on the Nitrates Directive
As part of its continued support to Moldova’s preparedness for EU accession in the agriculture sector, the 7th EU Mentoring Group on 30 October 2025 focused on the implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive, a key policy instrument for protecting water resources from agricultural pollution.
The mentoring group benefited from Mr. Walter Dübner, Senior Agricultural Expert, who shared insights on the policy of the Water Framework Directive, and provided practical steps taken by Member States to apply and implement the Nitrates Directive. Drawing from examples of the EU Member States, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Spain, the presentation highlighted effective approaches to reducing nutrient surpluses from manure and fertilisers, managing livestock density, and designating nitrate-vulnerable zones.
Discussions emphasized that the Nitrates Directive is of paramount importance to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection, aiming to reduce nutrient losses by 50% and fertilizer use by 20% by 2030. The Mentoring Group benefited from the leadership of two State Secretaries from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), the Deputy Secretary General from the Ministry of Environment, and the Acting Director General from the Agency for Interventions and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA). This leadership and numerous participants from the ministries reflected on the relevance of these measures for Moldova, particularly as the country is working on developing its own national program to limit nitrate pollution and safeguard groundwater quality.
The mentoring group once again provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue, strengthening Moldova’s capacity to implement EU environmental standards and advancing its progress toward sustainable agriculture and EU integration.
