Puitedirektiivi

Puitedirektiivi, officially Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, is a landmark piece of European Union legislation. Its primary goal is to protect and improve the quality of water bodies across the EU, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters. The directive aims to achieve "good status" for all these water bodies by 2015, with provision for extensions up to 2027 in specific circumstances.

The Puitedirektiivi introduced a river basin management planning approach, treating water resources as a unified entity rather than arbitrary administrative boundaries. This encourages cross-border cooperation between member states that share river basins. Key objectives include preventing further deterioration of water quality, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable water use. It emphasizes an integrated approach to water management, considering ecological, chemical, and quantitative aspects.

Implementation involves establishing river basin management plans and programs of measures to achieve the set environmental objectives. The directive also requires monitoring of water quality and quantity, and the public must be involved in the planning process. It has had a significant impact on environmental policy and water management practices throughout the European Union, driving improvements in water quality and fostering a more holistic approach to water resource protection.