1. Progress Drafting Group on Environmental Objectives and Exemptions
Brussels, 19 October 2007
CIS Working Group F
Progress
Drafting Group on Environmental Objectives and Exemptions
Marieke van Nood
Unit “Protection of Water & Marine Environment”
DG Environment, European Commission

2. DG on Exemptions - 1 Mandate:
-Common understanding of end of 2007
-Comprehensive guidance document end 2008
-DK/COM co-lead
-Technical Input requested
Meetings in January, April and September 2007
Draft Document contains 2 parts:
-Part A: general questions
-Part B: assessment of disproportionality
In June, Water Directors agreed on key messages and discussed the issue of disproportionality
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.

3. Part I: general questions
DG on Exemptions - 2
Part I: general questions
General approaches for the use of 4(4), 4(5) and 4(6)
Transboundary context
Transparency and public support
Management of uncertainties
Common understanding of different notions:
-temporary deterioration
-natural conditions
-natural cause
-extreme floods
-prolonged droughts
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.

4. Part II: disproportionality
DG on Exemptions - 3
Part II: disproportionality
Ultimately political decision based on economic information
Level of information to be used: qualitative or quantitative, different types of costs and benefits
Expenditures for implementation of other EU legislation cannot be taken into account
Influence of distributional consequences and affordability
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.

5. DG on Exemptions - 4 Follow-up
Drafting Group on Exemptions comments until 19/10/07
Draft Document to SCG 7 November and to Water Directors meeting on 29/30 November
Additional comments via SCG representative
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.