Who's in charge?

Abstract

A proposal has been made to establish transnational river basin authorities that would manage the quantity and quality of water in the countries of the European Union. The proposal is included in the European Commission's directive entitled, `Framework for Community action in the field of water management'. The directive aims to prevent the further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems in fresh waters within the EU, promote sustainable water consumption based on long term protection of available water resources, and contribute to the provision of a supply of water, of the qualities and in the quantities needed for sustainable use of the resources.