Report on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) – River Basin Management Plans

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduced new and ambitious objectives to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems as a basis for ensuring the long term sustainable use of water for people, business and nature. The WFD has incorporated into a legally binding instrument the key principles of integrated river basin management bringing together economic and ecological perspectives into water management.

The WFD established a programme and timetable for Member States to set up the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) by 2009. The Plans should have identified all actions to be taken in the river basin district to deliver the objectives of the WFD.

Implementation of the WFD has been supported since 2001 by an informal co-operative effort under the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS), led by Water Directors of the Member States and the Commission with the participation of all relevant stakeholders. The CIS has delivered guidance documents and a large number of policy papers and is a valuable platform for the exchange of experience and best practices. This Commission implementation report is required by WFD article 18 and is based on the Commission's assessment of the RBMPs reported by Member States.

EUR-Lex: SWD(2012)379: Commission Staff Working Document accompanying COM(2012)670: European overview https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2012:379:FIN

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