The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is now firmly on the European policy agenda. With increasing pressure from strategic sectors, notably the extractive industries linked to critical raw materials, a revision of the Directive is no longer a question of “if”, but “how”.
In this context, Water Europe is actively preparing its position. The objective is clear: preserve the environmental ambition and regulatory benefits delivered by the WFD over the past 25 years while adapting the directive to the new context and innovative solutions delivered by the European Community. We strongly believe that it is precisely at the intersection of these objectives – and only in this area – that Europe can strengthen its competitiveness and secure its resources for the future.
Indeed, the WFD has established one of the most advanced water governance frameworks globally. It has significantly improved the protection and knowledge of Europe’s water resources, while providing legal certainty and predictability for public authorities and economic actors. As a result, Europe benefits today from relatively low economic risks related to water disruption compared to other regions. These achievements are not negotiable and must remain the foundation of any future evolution of the directive for our economic prosperity.
To address this sensitive and strategic dossier, Water Europe has adopted a structured and inclusive methodology, reflecting its role as a value-based organisation representing the entire water value chain. Over recent months, several consultations have been carried out across Expert Groups, Communities of Practice, the Policy Advisory Committee and the Board. In parallel, exchanges with external stakeholders — including representatives from the mining sector — have helped clarify both the drivers and the risks associated with a potential revision and identify good practices.
Preliminary discussions converge towards supporting a targeted revision of the WFD, aligned with the ambition of achieving a Water-Smart Society and adjusting the directive to the new objectives of the Water Resilience Strategy. Water Europe recognises the concerns associated with reopening the directive.
At the same time, in a context of increasing water stress, investment needs and economic pressures, the question is not whether a revision takes place, but under which conditions it can strengthen both environmental protection and Europe’s capacity to deliver. This includes embedding digital and data-driven water governance, integrating water security, and reinforcing river basin management.
This targeted revision must be guided by a consistent and ambitious approach: ensuring legal security and predictability for all water users and service providers; embrace our societal responsibility to address water challenges holistically; ensuring financial and economic sustainability; and promoting an evidence-based, technology-neutral framework driven by the latest research and innovation available in Europe.
