EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Background
Simplification - What is behind it?
Scope of the briefing
OVERVIEW OF CURRENT AND UPCOMING EU WATER POLICIES
The first and second wave of EU water policy
The third wave of EU water policy
Upcoming issues
Organisational framework supporting EU water legislation
Implementation by the Member States
Remaining gaps in legislation to achieve the environmental objectives of EU water policy
EU WATER POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SIMPLIFICATION FRAMEWORK
Recent and ongoing simplification activities in EU water policy
Analysis of the simplification potential in EU water policy
Additional issues to be considered in future simplification exercises
CONCLUSIONS
ANNEX 1 – QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INTERVIEWS
ABBREVIATIONS
