Ecological quality of surface waters

The proposal for a directive on the ecological quality of water was the subject of a policy debate by the Council, pending receipt of the opinion of the European Parliament. The debate enabled guidelines to be agreed on the following aspects: - inclusion in the concept of ecological quality of qualitative criteria for the assessment of water quality; - elaboration by the Member States of overall water management and water ­protection programmes enabling the Directive to be implemented; - information of the public and closer involvement of interested groups in the preparation of the integrated programmes. The Permanent Representatives Committee will continue the proceedings in the light of the opinion awaited from the European Parliament and of the debate, with a view to the Council’s meeting in June 1995.