Pricing water - Economics, environment and society

To review the issues, problems and options related to water pricing policies, the European Commission, DG XI, and the Portuguese Instituto da Agua (of the Environment Ministry) are organising a conference entitled 'Pricing water - economics, environment and society'. The event will be held in Sintra, Portugal, on 6 and 7 September 1999.

The conference is aimed at providing a means for wide consultation of all interested parties to develop a common understanding and platform on water pricing issues within Europe and also for key partners in the Mediterranean region and Central and Eastern European countries.

According to the event organisers, the platform will be essential in developing new water pricing policies. And lessons from the conference discussions will contribute to on-going discussions on the European water framework Directive.

The focus will be on the following themes:

- Conceptual and theoretical issues;
- Existing water pricing policies;
- The impact of water pricing policies;
- Issues relate to the implementation of water pricing.
For further information, please contact:

Instituto da Agua
Antonio Nuno Fernandes
Conçalves Henriques
Vice-president Instituto da Agua
Tel. +351-1-8430050/1; Fax +351-1-8473571
E-mail: agh@inag.pt

or

European Commission
DG XI - Environment, nuclear safety and civil protection
Pierre Strosser
Unit B.2.- economic analyses and employment
200 rue de la Loi
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. +32-2-2968743; Fax +32-2-2969559
E-mail: Pierre.Strosser@dg11.cec.be