Brussels, 19 December 2019 – The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) has been the cornerstone of EU water policy for the past two decades. On 11 December, the European Commission published its evaluation (Fitness Check) of the WFD and daughter directives, concluding that it is “fit-for-purpose” despite some scope for improvement and need for better implementation.

The European Commission confirms the Directive’s great contribution to sustainable development and its fundamental role in driving the EU’s efforts towards the protection of water. The evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the WFD towards meeting its objective proves the benefits and the necessity of the legislation, which remains as relevant today as it was twenty years ago and is flexible enough to adapt to the future. Yet, implementation is insufficient and too slow.

Public water operators, responsible for managing a significant part of the water cycle, welcome the outcome of the evaluation and support a strong legislation. In our changing world, it is essential to preserve our limited essential resources and equally protect water’s natural quality and quantity. In this context, the WFD has fundamental role to play.

The high-level of ambition of the WFD and its appropriate approach based on natural rather than administrative boundaries has proven effective. Accelerating implementation now depends on the full application of the key principles enshrined in the legislation. Prevention over treatment help keep our water clean while minimising costs for the society. ‘Polluter-pays’ and a fair contribution of all users to cost-recovery supports better financing, which is a key impeding factor, whilst reducing the economic burden on households.

Ambition and political will are necessary as the WFD requires a systemic long-term approach and continuous efforts. To meet objectives, Members States need to reach beyond “easy technological fixes” and adopt carefully assessed comprehensive measures that efficiently bring sustainable ecological but also social benefits. Integrating green infrastructure also offers great opportunities.  

Implementation can be improved by supporting Member States’ decision-making on water issues. Complementing the ‘one-out-all-out’ principle with a ‘distance-to-target’ could help better communicate and valorise efforts. A clear economic assessment of benefits and consequences, notably redistributive, and increased citizens’ participation could support decisions for action. Finally, best practices sharing on governance is critical as innovative solutions are often developed locally.

As water is closely interlinked with a range of other sectoral policies whose activities risk negatively affecting water resources and therefore hampering WFD objectives, it is paramount strengthen policy coherence across sectors. The WFD must remain a reference and be fully integrated with different pieces of legislation (agriculture, energy, transport, chemicals).

Contact: Aqua Publica Europea | info@aquapublica.eu | +32.2.518.80.58 | @APE_EU

Aqua Publica Europea (APE) is the European Association of Public Water Operators. It unites publicly-owned water and sanitation services and other stakeholders working to promote public water management at both European and international level. APE is an operator-led association that looks for efficient solutions that serve the public rather than corporate interests.