SSG on WFD and Agriculture State of play and the future Water Directors meeting, 1-2 June 2006 Richard Bird, UK Defra

Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps WFD and Agriculture Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps Synthesis Report for WDs (Nov 06) – inputs SSG papers on RD, pressures, cross-compliance, water pricing & co-operation London & Vienna Conference messages POM questionnaire & PRB advice WD advice of ‘tone of the report’ Think about next steps (2007-08)? How do we make best use of the information? Do we need to develop work further?

Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps WFD and Agriculture Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps The POM Questionnaire and background papers identified some issues and ideas which could benefit from further investigation: How to improve use of existing instruments (e.g. RDR Art. 38, Cross-compliance) Expansion of cross-compliance to cover all WFD aspects? Additional instruments and sources of funding

Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps WFD and Agriculture Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps Austria and UK wrote joint letter to WDs to: Reflect on the invaluable results of SSG work Encourage MS to think of how best to use SSG results Discuss whether to extend the SSG mandate

Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps WFD and Agriculture Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps Benefits of extending SSG mandate? Timing – CAP review offers window of opportunity SSG could contribute to development of (water friendly) CAP by identifying sustainable, win-win situations for the water and agriculture sectors Address the issues identified in the POM questionnaire and background papers Maintain close dialogue with agricultural sector

Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps WFD and Agriculture Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps If SSG mandate extended? Essential to have clear mandate UK is happy to continue as co-leader of the SSG BUT we need (an)other MS to help co-lead the next phase - who will help?