Water Framework Directive: a call for evidence to support a review and targeted revision of the directive

A four-week call for evidence to support a review and a targeted revision of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is launched by the European Commission, on 17/03/2026.

Indeed, as announced in the RESourceEU Action Plan, the Commission is accelerating its efforts to secure the EU’s supply of critical raw materials (CRM) to shield industry and supply chains from geopolitical and price shocks.

Thanks to input from stakeholders with experience in implementing the WFD, the Commission intends to "address regulatory bottlenecks and simplify the legislation to promote circularity and access to critical raw materials while maintaining high standards that protect human health and the environment".

Stakeholders are invited to provide "concrete evidence demonstrating current difficulties resulting from the interplay between CRM projects and water legislation".

Information is also welcome on :
• the environmental impact of CRM projects and potential mitigation measures - including socially responsible sourcing of CRMs - and their costs.
• specific bottlenecks and problems in the permitting of CRM…