The need for international and regional transboundary cooperation in European river basin management as a result of new approaches in EC water law

Abstract

With the introduction of the Water Framework Directive in 2001, EC water law adopted both a governance approach and a river basin approach. These new approaches are characterised by a high level of proceduralisation and by dividing the EU territory into river basins. These characteristics emphasise the need for transboundary cooperation in water management, both on the international and the regional level. Although there is a long tradition of transboundary cooperation on the international level, this level has its difficulties and limits, which urges the need for regional transboundary cooperation in river basin management. There are several instruments available to shape cooperation at the regional level, but there is still little experience in cooperation between water management authorities at that level. After describing current transitions in EC water law, we explore some instruments and their possibilities for transboundary cooperation on both levels, with a slight tendency toward the regional level. © The Author(s) 2009.