EU Commission refers Greece to European Court over water plans

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - The European Commission on Wednesday said it has referred Greece to the European Court of Justice for failing to finalize its water plans.

Greece failed to finalize the revision of its river basin management plans as required under the commission’s Water Framework Directive and of its flood risk management plans as required under the commission’s Flood Directive, it noted in a statement.

It stressed that the Water Framework Directive is essential for ensuring the good qualitative and quantitative status of water bodies in Europe, including rivers and lakes, while the Flood Directive is critical for vigilance and management of floods.

“The commission sent a letter of formal notice to Greece in February 2023. This was followed, in November 2023, by a reasoned opinion calling on Greece to comply with its obligations and complete the review of its plans. However, the relevant plans have still not been finalized. The commission considers that efforts by the Greek authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union,” it said.