Links between the Floods Directive (FD 2007/60/EC) and Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) : resource document; December 2013

The aim of this paper is to identify potential synergies in the implementation of both the 'Floods' Directive (FD) and Water Framework Directive (WFD). At a meeting of the EU Environment Ministers in Hungary in March 2011, under the discussion on Integrated Management of Extreme Hydrological Events, it was recommended that an integrated approach for the implementation of the FD and WFD should be promoted in order to "maximise synergies". This document is intended to help promote the achievement of this recommendation, noting that coordination means a two-way process, with input from those responsible for the implementation of both Directives, to achieve the available synergies and mutual benefits. The FD is only in its first implementation cycle and Member States are on a steep learning curve to deliver the requirements of the Floods Directive. Member States generally have only limited experience to date in the coordination of the FD with the WFD, although some experience does exist, examples of which are set out in this document. This paper identifies the requirements for coordination and sets out opportunities for synergies and possible conflict. It is intended to review the paper in the future to take into account the experience of Member States in implementing and coordinating the two Directives in parallel, and to capture and build on experiences and good practice for future reference and application in the second and subsequent cycles.