EU pressures Finland to strengthen water use controls

The European Commission reprimands Finland for the lack of water use control. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates that each Member State executes a comprehensive programme of measures to ensure the good status of water bodies. Each programme must also include essential measures to regulate different types of water use, such as water abstraction and hydroelectric power production.

Every six years the status of Europe’s waters is reviewed. The periodic reviews of Finland are lacking in fully meeting the directive’s requirements for the control of various water uses. As a result, in October, the European Commission decided to initiate an infringement procedure against Finland by sending a formal notice. Finland now has two months to respond and address the issues identified by the European Commission. If the response is insufficient, the European Commission may proceed by issuing a reasoned opinion.

Finnish waters

Finland is known for its vast freshwater resources and diverse water ecosystems. With thousands of lakes, extensive river systems, and a significant coastal environment, it is an enormous task to ensure that control measures are applied uniformly across all types of water use. The unique characteristics of each water body demand tailored approaches, which complicates comprehensive periodic assessments.

Data collection and monitoring limitations

Accurate data collection and continuous monitoring are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of control measures and conducting thorough reviews. However, comprehensive data collection remains a challenge in Finland. The scope and reliability of monitoring can be limited by outdated infrastructure, resource constraints, and methodological differences across regions. Without consistent and detailed data, it is difficult to ensure that the periodic reviews meet the WFD’s requirements.

River basin management plans

On the website of Finland’s environmental administration there is a call to all citizens to participate in achieving a good water status. According to the Finnish government cooperation and implementation of measures are needed across all sectors of society so that the aim of the reaching the good status of waters, can be achieved by 2027. The measures from the riverbasin management plans (RMBP’s) are available via the programmes of measures for the management of waters.