Steps

Implementation timetable

The Water Framework Directive sets out clear deadlines for each of the requirements, adding up to an ambitious overall timetable. The key milestones are listed below.

Year	Issue	Reference
2000	Directive entered into force	Art. 25
2003	Transposition in national legislation Identification of River Basin Districts and Authorities	Art. 23 Art. 3
2004	Characterisation of river basin: pressures, impacts and economic analysis	Art. 5
2006	Establishment of monitoring network Start public consultation (at the latest)	Art. 8 Art. 14
2008	Present draft river basin management plan	Art. 13
2009	Finalise river basin management plan including progamme of measures	Art. 13 & 11
2010	Introduce pricing policies	Art. 9
2012	Make operational programmes of measures	Art. 11
2015	Meet environmental objectives	Art. 4
2021	First management cycle ends	Art. 4 & 13
2027	Second management cycle ends, final deadline for meeting objectives	Art. 4 & 13

5th Mediterranean Water Forum