Pilot Study on Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring in European Surface Waters

The “Pilot Study on Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring in European Surface Waters,” published in April 2025 by the Eionet Working Group, marks the European Union’s inaugural coordinated effort to assess antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in freshwater environments. Conducted across eight self-funded countries, the study aimed to establish a harmonized framework for sampling, analyzing, and reporting AMR indicators in surface waters. By focusing on five key resistance markers, the initiative sought to build capacity among participating nations, facilitate data comparability, and lay the groundwork for future quantitative monitoring. The findings underscore the critical role of environmental surveillance in the EU’s One Health strategy, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to combat AMR across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.