Water protection and management
EU Fact Sheets
14-12-2023
Water is essential for human, animal and plant life and for the economy. Its protection and management transcend national boundaries. The EU’s water policy plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment in the EU. There are laws designed to preserve water sources and both freshwater and marine ecosystems, and to guarantee the cleanliness of drinking and bathing water. The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a legal framework to protect and restore clean water in the EU and to ensure its long-term sustainable use.
EU Fact Sheets