Commission refers Spain to CJEU for not reviewing and updating its River Basin Management Plans in the Canary Islands

Summary:

The European Commission decided on 8 March 2018 to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for not reviewing and updating the River Basin Management Plans for the seven river basin districts in the Canary Islands (El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, and Tenerife).

Background:

River basin management plans are the foundation of Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). These plans give a comprehensive overview of the main issues for each river basin district and should include the specific measures needed to achieve environmental quality objectives.

Spain had to review and update all River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) on its territory by 22 December 2015 and to inform the Commission of these measures by 22 March 2016. The Spanish authorities also failed to ensure compliance with the public information and consultation obligations for establishing these plans.

The Commission repeatedly urged Spain to fulfil its obligations: firstly, by sending a letter of formal notice in April 2017 and secondly, by issuing a reasoned opinion in October 2017.