Press Release: European Commission proposes more modern and simple rules to ensure clean bathing water across the EU

The European Commission presented a proposal for a revised Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Quality of Bathing Water on 25 October 2002. This Commission proposal is to replace the existing Council Directive 1976/160/EEC, which has been in force for over 25 years. The new proposal is intended to deliver three clear benefits: improved health standards, more efficient management including the active involvement of the public and, finally, allowing Member States greater flexibility in the way they implement the Directive.