Environmental reinforcement in European water law: Reflections on its significance in Spain

Abstract:

This article examines whether the partial abolition of the National Hydrological Plan of 2001 and abandonment of an interbasin transfer from the River Ebro to the southeast of the Spanish Peninsula in favour of protection and conservation of water and associated ecosystems according to the demands of European Community Water Directives require a legislative change. Following an introduction (including the juridical status of water policies) the author takes a quick glance at the evolution of Spanish water legislation before describing major breaches and some pending cases. He then outlines necessary reforms and some specific proposals before providing a conclusion encompassing the need for useful tools on water policy.