EU policy on nutrients emissions: legislation and implementation.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Law
• Water Resource Management
• European Union Policy

Background:

• The European Union (EU) has revised its water policy after 25 years.
• A new Water Framework Directive was agreed upon in summer 2000.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the key objectives and components of the new EU Water Framework Directive.
• To explain how the new directive integrates with and complements existing water legislation.

Main Methods:

• The European Commission proposed the directive, which was agreed upon by the European Parliament and Council.
• The directive establishes integrated river basin management and a combined approach to emissions control.

Main Results:

• The Water Framework Directive aims for integrated, cross-border river basin management.
• It mandates the protection of all waters (surface and groundwater) in quality and quantity, including an ecological dimension.
• It introduces controlled emissions through a combined approach, phasing out hazardous substances, implementing water pricing, and strengthening public participation.

Conclusions:

• The new Water Framework Directive represents a significant restructuring of EU water policy.
• It will complement and integrate existing legislation, such as directives on nitrates and urban wastewater treatment, into a coherent river basin management framework.