Water policy: establishment of environmental quality standards (EQS)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Anna LAPERROUZE (ADLE, FR) amending the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy and amending Directive 2000/60 (the Framework Water Directive). The amended proposal was adopted by 672 votes in favour to 13 against with 10 abstentions, and follows the position taken by the competent parliamentary committee. (Please refer to the summary dated 27/03/2007).

In addition, a new amendment was introduced which states that in cases which compliance with environmental quality standards is not technically feasible, or would lead to disproportionate social or economic costs, these shall be dealt with under Article 4(4), (5) and (6) of Directive 2000/60/EC, in order to determine the most cost-effective and environmentally acceptable approach to complying with the objective as set out in Article 4(1)(a) of Directive 2000/60/EC.