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For Sweden, the situation is slightly better with regard to
lakes and streams, but about 40 percent do not have good quality
status.
Efforts to develop a new strategy for protecting EU waters have
been underway for quite some time. The European Environment
Agency (EEA) has produced a report on the situation as it stands
today and what is threatening the quality and availability of
water for the future, as well as suggestions on which efforts
should be made. The EEA has also made a thorough review of the
current legislation and identified gaps.
“The EU Commission’s proposed strategy is no universal solution,
but it gives member states a tool box fitted with various tools
to help improve their own situation,” says Harlén.
“The goal is that future generations will also be able to swim,
fish, and drink water from the tap.”
Anneli Harlén is Sweden’s coordinator within the work
surrounding the EU Water Framework Directive and has
participated in meetings and discussions that preceded the
strategy.
The strategy, “A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water
Resources,” states the need for more member states to address
both old and new problems, such as water pollution, the use of
water in agriculture and energy production and land use, and the
impacts of climate change. These will be addressed through
improving the implementation of existing legislation, such as
the “polluter pays” principle for water up-take through metering,
and increasing the integration of water policy objectives in
other relevant policy areas such as agriculture, fisheries,
renewable energy, and transportation.
One of the conclusions also stated in the Blueprint is the need
for the EU to focus more on green infrastructure.
“The time has come to take action to deliver the full benefits
of our legislation and create opportunities for innovative
solutions in water policy and the water industry. What is needed
is a sustainable balance between water demand and supply, taking
into account the needs of both people and the natural ecosystems
they depend on,” said Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik in
a statement.
The Water Framework Directive stipulates that member states must
protect and restore waters across Europe and ensure sustainable
use. The Directive’s aim is for all water to achieve a healthy
state by 2015.
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