The legislative framework and policy for the water resources management of transboundary rivers in Europe: the case of Nestos/Mesta River, between Greece and Bulgaria

This paper describes the current legislative framework with respect to the management of transboundary river basins within the geographical area of Europe. It analyses the main aspects of the European Water Framework Directive as well as the important role of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) on the management of international rivers. Finally, it presents the case study of the transboundary river Mesta/Nestos which flows through Bulgaria and Greece. It describes the cooperation of the two countries since 1964, when the negotiations started, and the current situation, whereas Bulgaria is a candidate Member State of the European Union and a new regime on the cooperation of the two countries will be developed.