The European Comission has decided today to take Bulgaria, Ireland, Spain, Malta, Portugal and Slovakia before him Court of Justice of the European Union for not having completed the review of their hydrological plans basin, in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), or their plans for flood risk managementin accordance with the Flood Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC).
The Water Framework Directive focuses on ensuring good qualitative and quantitative health of European water bodies, such as rivers and lakes. It aims to reduce and eliminate pollution, as well as ensure that there is enough water to meet both human and wildlife needs. It constitutes an essential part of the European Green Deal and is necessary to achieve its objectives in terms of climate, nature and pollution reduction. The fulfillment of the Flood Directive It is essential for preparation for floods and their management.
Under the Water Framework DirectiveMember States must update and notify their hydrological plans from Cuenca. These plans include a program of measures that are essential to guarantee the good status or potential of all bodies of water, as provided for in the Directive. Under the Water Framework DirectiveMember States must also update and notify their flood risk management plans. These plans are equally essential to meet the objectives of the Flood Directivethat is, reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity.
The Commission sent letters of formal notice in February 2023, followed by reasoned opinions in September 2023, to all countries that had not updated or revised these plans.
Despite some progress, six countries remain in breach of their obligations under one or both Directives.
Review of hydrological plans
- Spain, Malta and Portugal have not yet fully notified their third parties hydrological plans basin or its second water management plans. flood risk.
- Bulgaria and Ireland have not yet fully notified third parties hydrological plans from Cuenca.
- Slovakia has not yet fully notified the second plan flood risk management.
The Commission considers that, to date, the efforts made by the authorities have been insufficient and, consequently, it will lead to Bulgaria, Ireland, Spain, Malta, Portugal and Slovakia before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Context of hydrological plans
Since 2000, the Water Framework Directive has been the main water protection law in Europe. It applies to continental, transitional and coastal surface waters, as well as groundwater. Ensures an integrated approach to water management, respecting the integrity of entire ecosystems, specifically by regulating individual pollutants and establishing corresponding regulatory standards. It is based on a river basin approach to ensure that neighboring countries cooperate to manage the rivers and other bodies of water they share.
The Flood Directive provides for semiannual cycles aimed at reducing the risk of flood damage in the EU. The first implementation cycle was between 2010 and 2015. The second cycle covered the period between 2016 and 2021. The Commission evaluated the second cycle preliminary flood risk assessments prepared by Member States. These assessments and an overview of the EU were published in the sixth implementation report in December 2021. The third cycle covers the period between 2022 and 2027.
The flood risk management It is an integral part of the integrated management of hydrographic basins. Therefore, the Flood Directive is closely coordinated with the Water Framework Directiveespecially with regard to the coordination of flood risk management planslos hydrological plans basin management and public participation procedures.