Why are the EU water directives so important?

Why are the EU water directives so important?

The Directives have led to a higher level of protection for water bodies and flood risk management than could have been expected without them. Water is an essential societal need. The objectives of the Directives are as relevant now as they were at the time of the adoption of the Directives, if not more.

What are the challenges of the Water Framework Directive?

As for future challenges, this fitness check finds that the Water Framework Directive is sufficiently prescriptive with regard to the pressures to be addressed, and yet flexible enough to accommodate emerging challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and pollutants of emerging concern (e.g. micro-plastics and pharmaceuticals).

When is the European Commission water impact assessment?

In December 2019, the Fitness Check concluded that water legislation is broadly fit for purpose, with room for improvement related to investments, implementation, integrating water into other policies, chemical pollution, administrative simplification and digitalisation. On 23 October 2020, an Inception Impact Assessment was launched.

What is the consultation strategy for the Floods Directive?

The Consultation Strategy is available here. The fitness check is a comprehensive policy evaluation of: ― the Floods Directive (FD).

When was the EU Water Framework Directive adopted?

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), adopted in 2000, takes a pioneering approach to protecting water based on natural geographical formations: river basins. It sets out a precise timetable, with 2015 as the deadline for getting all European waters into good condition.

How is the water quality in Europe improving?

Water quality throughout Europe has improved. Compliance with the Water Framework Directive objectives is increasing gradually. Although in a number of Member States the right policy measures were taken and a number of financial investments made, in many river basins improvements in water quality will still take some time.

Who are the stakeholders in the EU Water Framework?

Disclaimer: This document has been developed through a collaborative programme involving the European Commission, all the Member States, the Accession Countries, Norway and other stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organisations. The document should be regarded as presenting an informal consensus position on best practice agreed by all partners.

What was the European Commission report on water?

A European Overview – Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the report: SWD (2012)379 Volume 1 and SWD (2012)379 Volume 2. A lot of effort has been put into the preparation and drafting of the first RBMPs, and knowledge of the status of water has considerably improved.