Review the WFD through the years Bob Dekker – Dutch Water Director

The WFD; a 10-year process (I) Need for a global re-thinking of the European water policy 1994 Proposal for a directive on the ecological quality of water No simplification and no clear coherence with the existing legal framework No integrated approach yet High implementation costs expected Early 1990’s Debates on several aspects of EU water policy Implementation costs vs. achievements Too sectorial approach On-going revisions: drinking and bathing waters, hazardous substances Requests for more subsidiarity Concerns about ECJ’s pressure

The WFD; a 10-year process (II) Adoption of WFD Environmental objectives (2015) 2000 Opening of a tough negotiation round Proposal of WFD Simplification: repeals several directives Based on river basin Environmental objectives (2010) Full cost recovery pricing of water uses 1997 1995-1997 General agreement on leading principles Discussions on the future of EU water policy Public hearings held by EP Council’s call for a framework text Commission’s communication, roots of WFD

2000-2005 Activities WD – CIS process Guidance documents MS and EC work commonly on implementation Stakeholder involvement Guidance documents Pilot River Basins

2000-2005 Positive Side effects A common language and a common mindset Enhanced trans-European cooperation and water network Between member states Between EC and member states Natural participation of 10 new MS in the process during the accession process MS obtained a clear view of the current status of their water systems Notie laatste bullet: dit betreft de artikel 5 rapportages die nog niet iedereen ingestuurd heeft 

Remaining Key Issues Agriculture is main topic, morphology also important. Both already covered in CIS activities Municipal wastewater might need extra attention Industries might gain from system of information exchange Long range transport of air pollution issue not covered under CIS Several issues would gain from integration with other policy areas Results of the questionnaire, activity on key issues and research needs.

Conclusions We have obtained a clear view on EU water systems The situation seems to be worse than we expected A lot has been achieved, much left to be done Common language and common mindset ease the job

Modern European water dialogue - the new, ‘common’ WFD language - How is your ‘water body’ doing today? Fine, thanks. We just ‘intercalibrated’, it turns out to be ‘at risk’ At risk? At risk of what? Of not reaching it’s ‘good ecological potential’! (it is ‘heavily modified’, you know) Gosh, and now? We’re considering a ‘time exemption’. I see. Will ‘the Commission’ agree? Yes; we have lots of ‘disproportional costs’. Lucky you! Wish we had too…