Briefing: Recent developments in EU water framework directive implementation

More than 10 years have now passed since the publication of directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy – the water framework directive (WFD). However, its implementation is still far from complete. Interpretation is ongoing, interrelationships remain to be defined and many questions still have to be answered. This briefing article reviews some recent developments in WFD implementation in England and Wales and also considers ongoing activities at EU level.