EUWasser

EUWasser is a term used in European policy discourse to describe a potential European Union–wide framework for water management. In this usage, EUWasser envisions harmonized standards for drinking water quality, groundwater protection, wastewater treatment, and ecosystem management across member states, alongside measures to improve resilience to droughts, floods, and climate change.

The concept draws on established instruments such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Drinking Water Directive (DWD). Proponents argue that a unified framework could reduce regulatory fragmentation, improve cross-border cooperation, and facilitate funding through EU programs like the European Green Deal and LIFE. Critics raise concerns about sovereignty, administrative burden, cost, and the risk that a one-size-fits-all approach would not account for regional hydrogeology and socio-economic differences.

Governance and implementation would, in policy discussions, involve the European Commission's DG Environment, in collaboration with national authorities and river basin districts. Implementation could include updated directives, common monitoring systems, data sharing, and financial support for infrastructure upgrades.

Status: There is no binding EU regulation named "EUWasser" as of now; the term serves as shorthand in debates and academic literature to explore the possibilities and trade-offs of deeper EU-level coordination.

See also: Water Framework Directive; Drinking Water Directive; European Green Deal; LIFE Programme.