Greece in Court for failure to revise water plans

The European Commission also refers Greece to the European Court of Justice for failure to finalise the revision of its water plans. In February six other Member States were sent to Court for the same reason.

The European Commission decided in March to refer Greece to court for failure to finalise the revision of its river basin management plans as required under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its flood risk management plans as required under the Floods Directive (FD). In February the European Commission sent Bulgaria, Ireland, Spain, Malta, Portugal and Slovakia for the same reason to court.

Insufficient efforts

The European Commission says that efforts by the Greek authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union. If the Member States deems the responses unsatisfactory, the commission can take the next step in infringement proceedings which can include hefty fines.

Crucial for achieving good status by 2027

The European Water Framework Directive, adopted in 2000, provides a framework for integrated water management in river basin districts across the European Union. It obliges Member States to protect and restore all bodies of ground water and surface waters, estuarine waters and coastal waters to achieve ‘good status’ by 2027 at the latest. Compliance with the Floods Directive is critical for preparedness and management of floods.

Programme of measures

Under the Water Framework Directive, Member States must update and report their river basin management plans (rbmp) every six years. These plans, which include a programme of measures, are key to ensure good status or potential of all water bodies as required by the Directive. Under the Floods Directive, Member States must also update and report their flood risk management plans every six years. The plans are equally key to fulfil the objectives of the Floods Directive, that is to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity.