Malta ranked just behind top performer Cyprus and remains ahead of many larger EU countries
Malta has secured 7th place in the European Union for bathing water quality, with 92% of its swimming areas rated as “clean,” according to new figures published by Our Planet EU.
The findings are part of the 2024 assessment under the EU Bathing Water Directive, which examined nearly 22,000 bathing sites across the EU. Overall, 85% of these locations were rated “excellent,” and 96% met the directive’s minimum quality standards.
Malta ranked just behind top performer Cyprus and remains ahead of many larger EU countries. Poland, meanwhile, ranked last in the assessment.
The report highlighted that Europe’s coastal bathing areas generally outperform inland waters like rivers and lakes. This is largely due to decades of investment in reducing urban wastewater pollution.
Still, challenges remain. Surface and groundwater contamination, especially amid the growing impact of climate change, poses ongoing risks.
The report stresses that boosting water resilience is crucial for protecting ecosystems and public health across Europe.
Do you agree with this ranking?