Integration of research advances in modelling and monitoring in support of WFD river basin management planning in the context of climate change

The integration of scientific knowledge about possible climate change impacts on water resources has a direct implication on the way water policies are being implemented and evolving. This is particularly true regarding various technical steps embedded into the EU Water Framework Directive river basin management planning, such as risk characterisation, monitoring, design and implementation of action programmes and evaluation of the “good status” objective achievements (in 2015). The need to incorporate climate change considerations into the implementation of EU water policy is currently discussed with a wide range of experts and stakeholders at EU level. Research trends are also on-going, striving to support policy developments and examining how scientific findings and recommendations could be best taken on board by policy-makers and water managers within the forthcoming years. This paper provides a snapshot of policy discussions about climate change in the context of the WFD river basin management planning and specific advancements of related EU-funded research projects. Perspectives for strengthening links among the scientific and policy-making communities in this area are also highlighted.

► The paper provides a snapshot of EU water policies and the way they integrate climate change considerations.
► Milestones of the EU Water Framework Directive are studied in the light of future climate change adaptation requirements.
► Research trends are illustrated by a number of selected research projects funded by the EU Framework Programme and national projects.
► Recommendations arising from research are provided on various water-related aspects concerned by climate change.
► Perspectives for strengthening links among the scientific and policy-making communities in this area are also highlighted.