Briefing on the JRC/EEA report on the state of soils in Europe

The following briefing presents a comprehensive summary of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Environment Agency's (EEA) latest report on the state of soils in Europe, published on 22 October 2024. The report explores the complex interplay of drivers, pressures, and impacts influencing soil degradation across the European Environment Agency’s Member States and cooperating countries, including the West Balkans, Ukraine, and the UK. It highlights key challenges such as soil degradation’s impact on agriculture, biodiversity, water quality, and human health while emphasizing the need for effective soil management strategies. The briefing also outlines recent policy developments, including the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 and the ongoing legislative process for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive. This document aims to inform Brilian Partners, ABF members, and other stakeholders about the policy landscape, scientific findings, and the implications for future soil conservation efforts across Europe.