Reminder on the Joint Process between the Water Framework Directive and the EU Water Initiative process (JP)

The Joint Process between the Water Framework Directive and the EU Water Initiative process (JP) aims at further developing the existing synergies between the two mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of sound water policies. That means to facilitate the development of good water management practices, which is a prerequisite for sustainable drinking water and sanitation projects, and therefore, a contribution to the achievement of the water-related Millennium Development Goals.

The overall strategy of the JP was endorsed by the EU Water Directors in December 2004 that also provided orientations for implementing the Mediterranean Joint Process. In the Mediterranean, the main objective of the JP is to promote the implementation of improved water management practices in the region, by ensuring that coherent environmental objectives are shared among countries and sectors while consistent instruments are being utilised.

The Mediterranean has been the first EUWI region where the JP has implemented activities during the period 2004-2006. These have been developed by three Working Groups:

(i) on Groundwater (led by Greece and the European Commission),

(ii) on Water Scarcity (led by France and the European Commission) and

(iii) on Links between Rural Development, Agriculture and Water Resources Management (led by the Joint Research Centre). Material of Phase I (2004-2006) of the Joint Process can be found on-line in the EMWIS web site http://www.emwis.net/initiatives/medeuwi/JP.

Progress of the Med JP was presented to and discussed by the Water Directors of the Euro-Mediterranean and Southeastern European Countries at their Conferences in Rome (November 2005) and Athens (November 2006). More info on the Rome Conference (2005) can be found in http://www.emwis.net/documents/meetings/fol148169/fol890137 and on the Athens Conference (2006) in http://www.emwis.net/documents/meetings/fol148169/fol106940 .