Europese Commissie wil verdrag over bescherming Grieks-Albanees natuurgebied (en)

The European Commission has proposed that the EU ratify an agreement to protect the sustainable development of the Prespa Park area in south-east Europe. The agreement was negotiated by the European Commission, Greece, Albania and FYROM.

The Prespa Lakes and their surroundings are a unique natural area with high ecological significance, which will be best preserved through a holistic approach at basin level. The Agreement is a step change in the existing local cooperation arrangements and should ease the successful implementation of the aims of the EU Water Framework Directive in the area.

The Prespa Park Area was designated as a transboundary protected area by Greece, Albania and FYROM, and is the first example of a transboundary protected area in south-east Europe.

Environment Commissioner Poto?nik said "I am delighted by the successful conclusion of the Prespa Agreement and I trust the Council and Parliament will quickly agree to its ratification, thereby making the entry into force possible.

The Prespa Lakes basin is a globally significant ecological and cultural landscape with unique habitats, flora and fauna. Enhanced cooperation through international agreements such as this one supports Member States in their efforts to fully and effectively implement EU water legislation and contributes to a common understanding and shared priorities with third countries in line with our neighbourhood and enlargement policies."

A commitment to sustainable development

Under the agreement, the parties will be obliged to manage the lakes in a prudent manner, giving special attention to the water level. Pollution is to be prevented, and biodiversity must be protected and conserved. Any development of the area is to be carried out in a sustainable manner.

The Participation of the European Union as a Party is needed as the agreement covers matters falling within the Union's competence, such as the management of the river basin which is regulated by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The EU will facilitate the sharing of the wealth of experience, best practices and knowledge that has been developed in the framework of the Common Implementation Strategy of the WFD with the Member States and stakeholders. This covers areas such as the analysis of pressures and impacts on the watershed, the monitoring of the status of water, and public participation.

Background: water legislation

The European Union has long-standing legislation protecting its waters, culminating in the 2000 Water Framework Directive. The Directive has a number of objectives, such as preventing and reducing pollution, promoting sustainable water usage, environmental protection, improving aquatic ecosystems and mitigating the effects of floods and droughts. Its ultimate goal is to achieve “good ecological and chemical status” for all Community waters by 2015. It provides for coordination of efforts within shared river basins, across administrative and political boundaries. Under the WFD, where river basins extend beyond the territory of the Union, Member States should establish appropriate coordination with the relevant non-Member States, with the aim of achieving the objectives of the WFD throughout the river basin district.

For more information about water policy see:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html