That he will refer her Greece at the Court of Justice of the EU, due to non-completion of the review of the relevant water plans, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.
In September 2023 h bad weather Daniel it left behind at least 17 dead and massive destruction.
According to the FloodHub service of the BEYOND Center for Earth Observation Sciences and Satellite Remote Sensing, in the wider area of Karditsa alone, the flooded areas amounted to 870,000 hectares, the majority of which were agricultural areas (regarding 90%).
A few months later, Greece is referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for not updating its flood protection and water management plans.
“Today the European Commission decided to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to complete the review of its river basin management plans as required under the Water Framework Directive, under Directive 2000/60/EC and the plans flood risk management as required by the Floods Directive under Directive 2007/60/EC,” the Commission’s statement said.
The Commission emphasizes that “Greece has so far not reviewed, approved and reported on its river basin management plans”nor for the “familiar flood risk management plans”.
The Water Framework Directive focuses on ensuring, qualitatively and quantitatively, the good status of European water bodies, such as rivers and lakes. It aims to reduce and eliminate pollution, as well as to ensure that there is sufficient water to simultaneously support human needs and wildlife.
It is an essential part of the European Green Deal and is necessary to achieve its climate, nature and pollution reduction goals. According to the directive, every six years Member States must update their river basin management plans and submit relevant reports. These plans, which include a program of measures, are essential to ensure that all water bodies remain in good status or achieve good status as required by the Directive.
In addition, the Commission emphasizes that compliance with the Floods Directive is crucial for flood preparedness and management. According to the Floods Directive, every six years Member States must update their flood risk management plans and submit relevant reports. These plans are key to achieving the objectives of the Floods Directive, namely to reduce and manage the risks posed by floods to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity.
The Commission sent a letter of warning 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, related plans have not yet been finalized. The Commission considers that the efforts made so far by the Greek authorities are insufficient and, for this reason, refers Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
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