Press Release: Report on the implementation of EU water legislation: there is progress, but still work to do

Despite some good progress, nearly half of EU surface waters are unlikely to reach good ecological status in 2015 – a central objective of EU water legislation. Gaps in monitoring the chemical status of surface waters are particularly significant, with the status of over 40% of water bodies unknown.

The Communication published on 9 March 2015 by the Commission shows how water policies can be a source of green and blue economic growth, with water management technologies at the heart of eco-innovation.

The Communication is accompanied by two background documents that analyse the implementation of the EU Water Framework and Floods Directives around the EU and provide specific recommendations to all Member States. Five more reports assess the River Basin Management Plans of Member States which were not part of the Commission assessment conducted in 2012.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The EU Water Framework Directive - integrated river basin management for Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-water-2/

ESO: Background information: Environment and Climate Change Policies http://www.europeansources.info/record/environment-and-climate-change-policies/

EurActiv, 06.09.16: [Opinion] EU must do more to safeguard surface water http://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/opinion/eu-must-do-more-to-safeguard-surface-water/

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