vízkeretirányelve

Vízkeretirányelve, meaning "Water Framework Directive" in Hungarian, refers to the European Union's directive establishing a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters, and groundwater. Its primary objective is to ensure that all water bodies achieve at least "good" ecological and chemical status by a set deadline, with subsequent deadlines for those that fail to meet these goals.

The directive sets out a river basin management approach, recognizing that water resources flow across administrative boundaries. This means that management plans are developed and implemented on a basin-wide scale, involving cooperation between Member States where river basins extend across national borders. Key elements of the directive include the establishment of monitoring programs, the identification of significant water management issues, and the development of programs of measures to achieve the environmental objectives.

Vízkeretirányelve emphasizes public participation in the water management process, requiring that draft river basin management plans and programs of measures be made available for public consultation. The directive also aims to integrate water management with other environmental policies and water-related sectors, promoting a holistic approach to water resource management. It mandates the control and reduction of pollution from various sources, including point sources and diffuse pollution. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable water use and to protect aquatic ecosystems and the services they provide.