The EC water framework directive for coastal zones: Legal aspects

After a five-year period of discussions and varying drafts, the European Water Framework Directive was finally accepted by the European Parliament and the European Council in September 2000. Article 24 of the Water Framework Directive stipulates that the EU member countries must adapt their national rules to the new European legislation until autumn 2003. This paper attempts to give a general idea of the contents of the directive and its importance for coastal zone management by covering two topics: firstly, the role of the new directive within the European water legislation is explained; secondly, - and this will be the main focus - the most important characteristics of the directive, including keywords like good quality standard, economic incentives, immission versus emission approach and water basin management, are pointed out.