“The current EU Directive on the use of sewage sludge in agriculture was agreed in 1986. It was based on the knowledge of the evaluation of the risks provided by the COST 68 programme during the early 1980’s. The directive has stood the test of nearly 30 years of operating experience. During this time, there has been considerable progress in controlling contaminants at source. Interest in the sustainable use of resources, especially phosphate, has increased. Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest threats facing the planet and global warming potential is an essential component of strategic evaluation. The EWA has decided to organise one of its renowned high focus workshops to review the current knowledge and the practices of using sewage sludge on land.”