Water UK activity in Europe
During 2012 the European Commission is undertaking a fundamental review of EU freshwater policy with a view to producing a Blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water by November 2012.
Blueprint for Water
The Blueprint is the convergence of three assessments which are scheduled for 2012:
• Assessment of first river basin management plans under the Water Framework Directive
• Review of the strategy for water scarcity and drought
• Assessment of the vulnerability of water and environmental resources to the impact of climate change and to man-made pressures
The Blueprint will synthesize policy recommendations. It is likely to set the direction of EU law in the sector for many years to come.
Fitness Check
The European Commission also started a new process called ‘Fitness Check’ as part of the EC smart regulation policy, and water policy was selected as a pilot area. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken. The outcome of this exercise will also be considered in the Blueprint.
Water UK is actively engaged in representing the interests of its members in Europe, in particular through its participation in Eureau, the European association representing national associations of water and wastewater services companies. Water UK has a seat on the Board of Management of Eureau and has representatives on the key committees that carry out Eureau policy and technical work.
Representation in Brussels
In Brussels, Water UK has its own representation and has established relationships with European institutions, the Permanent UK Representation and with industry representatives active in Brussels.
Issues currently under discussion include CAP reform, flooding, water reuse, pesticides and biocides, priority substances, sludge, industrial emissions, climate change, shale gas, phosphates, radioactive substances and the European Innovation Partnership on Water.
Latest...DG Environment consultation on Water Performance of Buildings
Water UK response
EU regulation
Updates published in the Water UK newsletter
EU Blueprint to safeguard Europe's waters
Background to the Blueprint
European Commission
Evidence to House of LordsWater UK has provided evidence to the House of Lords EU Committee, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment sub-committee, looking at EU freshwater policy
EU Freshwater Policy
UK Parliament website: House of Lords
November 2011
Water UK oral evidence
Water UK, Severn Trent and Thames Water gave oral evidence to the committee
August 2011
Water UK written evidence
EureauEuropean Federation of National Associations of Water and Waste Water Services
