Briefing paper on the Water Framework Directive review and revision

Europe’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the EU’s cornerstone water protection law, is increasingly facing political pressure under the banner of “revision” or “simplification”. Behind these calls lies strong lobbying from the mining sector and other extractive industries seeking fewer and weaker safeguards on how Europe’s water are used. At a time of worsening water scarcity, pollution, and climate pressures, weakening the WFD would risk undermining more than two decades of progress in protecting Europe’s rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters.

This position paper, developed with the Living Rivers Europe coalition, outlines five key reasons why the WFD must be defended and strengthened:

1. Protecting people’s health and drinking water – The WFD safeguards clean and reliable water for communities across Europe.

2. Restoring and protecting ecosystems – Healthy rivers, wetlands, and aquifers are essential for biodiversity and climate resilience.

3. Preventing pollution and environmental damage – The Directive’s precautionary approach helps avoid costly and irreversible harm.

4. Supporting sustainable economies – Clean water underpins agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods.

5. Ensuring accountability and good governance – The WFD sets clear rules that hold polluters accountable and protect the public interest.

Defending the WFD means defending Europe’s water, nature, and future.