Objectives

The EU Water Framework Directive is the result of several years of consultations between the Member States on a common integrated water management policy. The Framework Directive aims to:

• protect all waters - rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and ground waters
• set ambitious objectives to ensure that all waters meet good status by 2015
• set up a system of management within river basins that recognises that water systems do not stop at political borders
• encourage cross-border cooperation between countries and all involved parties
• ensure active participation of all stakeholders, including NGOs and local communities, in water management activities
• ensure reduction and control of pollution from all sources, such as agriculture, industrial activity, and urban areas, etc.
• establish water pricing policies and ensure that the polluter pays.

• the protection of aquatic bodies and of water resources.