OKVIRNA DIREKTIVA O VODAMA

Vesić Dobrica (Институт за међународну политику и привреду, Београд),
Stojić Srbijanka (ЈВП „Србијаводе” Београд)

Water management is the foundation of development of economy and society, and water is the most important strategic resource in the 21st century. EU countries attach great importance to water management, thus providing substantial financial resources to its development. The adoption of Directive 2000/60/EC – Water Framework Directive establishes a framework for the EU action in the field of water policy. The goal of adopting the Directive seeks to be achieved through several main activities – integrated water management, prevention of further deterioration and protection of aquatic ecosystems, sustainable use of water, reduction of discharges and emissions of dangerous substances, the application of economic principles of “polluter pays” and “user pays”. It should be mentioned that on its way to EU Serbia will have to accept European institutional and financial models of water management, technical and environmental standards in all water management activities and the principles of modern management. The most important step is the adoption of the new Water Law. Since the Water Framework Directive is a basis for the adoption of management plans within international river basins in Europe, the countries in the region have begun to harmonize their national laws, regulations, institutions and standards in the field of water and environmental protection, with the exception of Serbia. The new Water Law has been adopted by Montenegro, Croatia, Republika Srpska and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Keywords: Water, integrated management, good condition, water body, protected area, monitoring