PAN Europe and PAN Germany position concerning the current review of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its Daughter Directives

Against the backdrop of several shortcomings in the implementation and application of the WFD, PAN Europe and PAN Germany urge Member States as well as the European Commission to put in place a more consistent approach to fulfil the legal requirements for the protection of our aquatic ecosystems. At this stage, there is no need to revise the WFD, but there is an urgent need to better implement its provisions. The collapse of biodiversity is taking place at a worrying pace and strong measures need to be taken to protect European waters. A quick and full implementation of the Eu-ropean water protection targets would contribute to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s nat-ural capital while safeguarding citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing as set in the 7th Environment Action Programme. It would also contribute to the achievement of the relevant Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals, agreed by the United Nations.