The EU Water Framework Directive - integrated river basin management for Europe

On 23 October 2000, the "Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy" or, in short, the EU Water Framework Directive (or even shorter the WFD) was finally adopted. 

Please find below the text of the Directive which was published in the Official Journal (OJ L 327) on 22 December 2000 and entered into force the same day:

However, even after reading the Directive, you may have still questions, such as: What is this Directive about? What do I need to know about the Directive? What is currently happening in relation to the Directive?

The subsequent pages intend to provide you with answers to these and other questions. You will find further information about the following issues:

• WFD - introduction and overview
  The key issues of this new Directive
• Decision-making process
  A long way...
• Timetable for implementation
  Clear deadlines and milestones
• Implementing the Directive
  The Common Implementation Strategy for the EU Water Framework Directive - a unique process
• Strategy against chemical pollution of surface waters
  • Commission proposal setting environmental quality standards for priority substances.
  • List of priority substances established in a separate Decision under Article 16 of the Water Framework Directive
• Groundwater
  The Groundwater Directive has been developed in response to the requirements of Article 17 of the Water Framework Directive
• Information Exchange Platform
  The WFD CIRCA system in support of the implementation
• WISE Newsletter
  From September 2003, this newsletter will regularly update you on the implementation process
• WFD links
  List of webpages of the national autorities responsible for the implementation the WFD and of some international river basins

More information

This website is, so far, only available in English. Additional information about European water policy in all Community languages can be found in the following leaflet and brochure:

• Leaflet

• Brochure

Feedback

If you have any questions about the EU Water Framework Directive or if you have any ideas about how to improve this site, please send us an email to the "Water Mailbox" of Environment DG.