Framework for Community Action

COM(97j49 Proposal for a Directive establishing a framework for Community action m the field of water policy... 

European Council (2000) Water Framework Directive Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy. Official Journal of the European Communities... 

On 2 October 2002, the EC published a Communication to the Council of the EU and the European Parliament entitled Towards a strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment (COM (2002) 539), which sets out objectives and related actions (European Commission, 2004a). The Commission Communication represents the first Step in the incremental development of the European Marine Strategy for the protection and conservation of the marine environment. The Environment Council Conclusions of 4 March 2003 welcomed the Commission Communication, endorsed the approach and the outline of its objectives and requested an ambitious Strategy by 2005. Currently a proposal for a directive establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy (Marine Strategy Directive or MSD) is on the table awaiting final approval by the parliament and the Commission (European Commission, 2005). 

European Commission (2005) Proposal for a diiective of the European Parliament of the Council, establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine envuonmental policy (Marine Strategy Directive), COM (2005) 505 final. 

The European Parliament and the Council have estabhshed a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, known as the Water Framework Directive. The Drinking Water Directive relates specifically to water intended for human consumption For example, in the United Kingdom the Water Quality Regulations prescribe maximum values for substances that affect wholesomeness and the Drinking Water Inspectorate polices the water companies. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for lap and pubhc water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). 

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