Gaps and Uncertainties in the Ecological Status Assessment in the Danube River Basin District

Abstract

The EU Water Framework Directive demands the good ecological status in all surface waters within the time frame 2015–2027. The status is monitored by the member states using national sampling and assessment methods designed after the requirements of the WFD and adjusted in an international intercalibration process. In the implementation process, still gaps and uncertainties exist. For solving the open issues, more data and research is necessary; often countries could use approaches developed by other EU member states.