Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard has launched her proposals for a framework directive

Date: 27/02/1997 covering all surface and groundwater. The plan has the twin aims of enhancing both the quality and the quantity of water resources in the Union, and is based on a river basin rather than a national approach. Areas with special requirements will be designated 'protected areas'. The goal is to achieve 'good' water quality throughout the EU by 2010.