1. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water Management
Part 3 – Council business Item 4.1 WFD + CAP (Agriculture) Conference Vienna 2-3 March 2006
Robert Fenz
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water Management

2. WFD & CAP - Vienna Conference - March 2006
Background:
EU Strategic Steering Group jointly lead by UK and Commission
London Conference September 2005
Follow up conference in Vienna 2-3 March around 100 participants from 20 countries exchange of views, best practice examples, national approaches in linking water management and agriculture, discussion on SSG issue reports
European Water Directors Meeting, 1st/2nd June 2006

3. WFD & CAP – Vienna Conference - March 2006
Conference programme:
Rural development & WFD differences in consideration of water management issues, limited funds, usage of Article 38 RDR?
Cross compliance & WFD contributing to WFD objectives, little relevance on hydromorphological pressures, double punishment, stepwise approach for further development
Water pricing incentive pricing possible measure, social hardships, interpretation of Art. 9 WFD
Co-operation and participation emphasising the importance of participation and co-operation, advisory services, Co-operative agreements
European Water Directors Meeting, 1st/2nd June 2006

4. WFD & CAP – Vienna Conference - March 2006
Results / conclusions:
Messages from both conferences were included in SSG issue reports /background documents (rural development, pressures, cross-compliance, water pricing and co-operation/participation)
Joint letter from AT and UK water directors raising the issue of future actions
European Water Directors Meeting, 1st/2nd June 2006