Creating the Institutional Background to Support the Implementation of the Policy Manual

Following Water Framework Directive’s (WFD) implementation a national water policy that provides the institutional background to achieve the goals of the suggested policy is required. This Chapter emphasizes on the issues of water policy that should be addressed and provides reform options that could lead to the sustainable use of water resources. Efficient use of water is an important issue in Europe; however poor governance seems to hinder effectiveness of the designed policies. After a review of the Greek experience with water reforms, the “state oriented” regime in Greece is presented along with the legislative frame and institutions that it entails. Then institutional improvements are discussed. In particular, the institutional reforms move away from water policies that favor fragmentation and lack of coordination among the involved actors in the decision making process. These reforms also embrace and promote the growing concerns on environmental aspects and “sustainable” water management suggesting integrated approaches. In the suggested framework of action the transfer of competencies from the state to the utility and to other actors, induced by the WFD, makes more imperative the existence and enforcement of a legislative and administrative framework that could accelerate the co-operation among the involved parties. The chapter closes with commenting on how the case of Asopos is related to the other Greek basins that are at risk of failing to meet WFD’s obligations.