16 December 2025
Today marks a new chapter for Europe’s soils. Healthy soils are vital for the environment. They grow our food, store carbon, filter water and support biodiversity. When soils are healthy, ecosystems thrive and societies become more resilient. However, the evidence is clear. According to the EU Soil Observatory, 62% of all soils and 89% of agricultural soils in Europe show signs of critical loss of their functions.
Today, 16 December, the EU Soil Monitoring Law enters into force, establishing a common framework for monitoring and assessing soil health across Europe. Better and more comparable soil data are a crucial step towards protecting ecosystems, supporting food security and strengthening climate resilience.
The European Environment Agency will contribute by:
• supporting data reporting;
• providing Copernicus soil indicators;
• supporting countries in using remote sensing for soil monitoring;
• advising Member States on contaminated site registers;
• strengthening synergies with other EU policies.
All implementation and reporting timelines begin to run from today, including the three-year period for transposing the Soil Monitoring Law into national legislation.
Healthy soils matter. Strong knowledge and effective monitoring are the foundation for protecting them – for nature, for people and for future generations.