Agreement reached on Water framework directive
The European Parliament and Council have finally reached agreement on the Commission's proposal for a water framework directive. The Directive establishes a framework for the formerly fragmented legislation in this field and is designed to protect surface water, coastal and territorial waters and groundwater. Margot Wallström, European Commissioner for the Environment welcomed the agreement: '[This] is a major breakthrough for European water policy. After more than three years of negotiation we now have a directive reforming European water legislation and setting out a new approach to water management.' The main compromises were made on the legal enforceability of the directive, elimination of hazardous substances, protection of groundwater and water pricing. The key elements of the Directive emerging from this debate are: - protection of the quality and quantity of surface waters and ground waters with a proper ecological dimension; - emissions and discharges to be controlled by a combined approach; - introduction of water pricing policies; - integrated river basin management across administrative and political borders with coordinated programmes of measures; - strengthened public participation and a sound basis for reporting. According to the Commission the new water framework directive is 'designed to prevent further deterioration and to protect and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic ecosystems...by doing so it also contributes to the provision of a supply of water in the key quantities and qualities needed for sustainable development.' The costs of implementing the Directive will depend on national and local water status and the extent of any previous action taken, which will influence the need for further action to meet the new objectives, says the Commission. And, it adds, the major part of the costs incurred to achieve 'good water status' will follow from existing obligations 'rather than from this specific initiative which aims primarily at ensuring a better coordination within and between Member States.' Ultimately, the Commission hopes the Directive will lead to more rational protection and use of water, a reduction in water costs, increased amenity value of surface waters and to better coordination of the administration of water. 'The ultimate benefit, of course,' it concludes 'is that the sustainability of water use will be ensured.'