MEP Norica Nicolai will chair a conference entitled “The Water Framework Directive Fitness Check and the protection of EU waters" organised by the European Parliament Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, with the support of the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA).

The event will take place on the 29th of January in the European Parliament (room A5G1) from 18:30 to 20:00. 

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the main piece of legislation protecting the aquatic environment at the EU level. However, the latest reports from the European Commission have proved that the EU Member States have failed to reach the environmental objectives that had been set in the WFD. An evaluation of the WFD is ongoing to assess whether the current regulatory framework is ‘fit for purpose’. In this regard the European Commission has launched a public consultation which closes on 4 March 2019.

The aim of the conference is to bring key stakeholders and legislators together to share facts and views on the current status of the WFD.