This document summarizes a meeting between the European Water Association (EWA) and the municipality of Patong in Phuket, Brussels on November 22, 2010. EWA is a pan-European association of water professionals that works on knowledge production and dissemination regarding EU water policy. The document outlines key issues related to the EU Water Framework Directive including river morphology, chemicals, diffuse pollution sources, climate change adaptation, and integrating water management with other sectors. It also discusses next steps in EU water policy including the 2012 EU Blueprint and reviews of the first River Basin Management Plan implementation and policies on water scarcity and droughts.

1. Informal meeting with Patong Municipality in
Phuket, Brussels, 22 November 2010
EU WATER POLICY:
The issues at stakes for water operators
Frédéric de Hemptinne
Head of External Affairs
EWA Brussels office
www.ewa-online.eu

2. Introduction to EWA
Pan-European association of water professionals
• Founded on 22 June 1981
• Members: 25 national associations + 15 corporates
• People: utilities, engineers, academics, regulators
• Activities:
- Knowledge production: EU Committee, expert groups
- Knowledge dissemination: Conferences, publications
- Networking: International / EU / EC institutions
• EU funded (LIFE+ NGO operational grant)
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 2

3. EWA structure
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 3

4. The policy web
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 4

5. EU water legislation
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 5

6. The WFD approach
March 9, 2010 Water Stakes at EU Level 6

7. The WFD tool box
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 7

8. Key issues linked to WFD
• River morphology / heavily modified water bodies
• Chemicals / emerging pollutants
• Diffuse sources of pollution (including storm water)
• Climate change adaptation (and mitigation)
• Liaison with other environmental sectors
(Marine, IPPC, agriculture, biodiversity, waste, REACH, e
co-design)
• Administration / data management / WISE (more)
• Water economics: services and uses (agriculture, etc.)
• Interfacing the science and policy
• Budget for investment / EU funding
March 9, 2010 Water Stakes at EU Level 8

9. Next steps
• The EU Blueprint in 2012
- 1st implementation report on the RBMP
- Climate Change adaptation policy review
- Water Scarcity and Droughts strategy review
• 2015: Second WFD cycle+ 1st FD & MSD cycle
• Priority substances (list, EQS, emission limits)
• Revision of the Drinking Water Directive
• Numerous infringement procedures ongoing
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 9

10. Points for future discussions (1)
• Water services
- Becoming smart (metering, building efficiency, energy)
- Full pricing (investment, operations, resources)
- Performance check / benchmarking
- “sustainable city”
- Critical scale / small utilities
• Water management
- Making the plans operational
- Integration with other policies (agriculture, biodiversity)
- Adaptation to climate change and other risks
- Data processing / indicators
March 9, 2010 Water Stakes at EU Level 10

11. Points for future discussion (2)
• EU Funding (next financial perspective)
- Regional policy /investment in water infrastructure
- Common Agricultural Policy
- Transport (inland navigation)
- Research & Innovation
• Communication / partnership
- A wide diversity of interests and situations
- The water sector is poorly understood
- The water community is rather isolated
March 9, 2010 Water Stakes at EU Level 11

12. Thank you for your attention
Frederic de Hemptinne
Head of External Relations
European Water Association
4 rue de la Presse, B-1000 Brussels
Phone +32-2-227 11 34 Fax +32-2-218 31 41
GSM +32-473-958 773
fdh@ewa-online.eu
November 22, 2011 Water Stakes at EU Level 12