Input to the joint Water and Marine Directors’ meeting 28–29 May

Living Rivers Europe addresses the EU Water and Marine Directors ahead of their May 2025 meeting, highlighting key priorities for water policy reform:

1. Water Resilience Strategy:
   The coalition stresses the need to prioritize nature-based solutions (wetlands, floodplains) to address increasing climate-related water risks. Healthy freshwater ecosystems should be central to the EU Water Resilience Strategy and the fourth River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), as they are essential for water supply and climate adaptation.

2. Water Framework Directive (WFD) & Pollution:
   The letter criticizes delays and misuse of exemptions under the WFD, particularly regarding new pollutants. It calls for urgent action to include these in the 4th RBMPs, uphold core WFD principles like non-deterioration, and avoid reliance on progress indicators based on effort rather than outcomes.

3. Urban Wastewater Directive (UWWTD):
   The coalition supports the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in the revised UWWTD, which funds treatment upgrades to reduce micropollutants. It urges Member States to fully implement these reforms, noting their limited economic impact and broad support.

Main Calls to Action:

• Prioritize ecosystem-based solutions.

• Act now on pollution, maintaining WFD integrity.

• Support full implementation of the revised UWWTD, including EPR.