Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2010)606 - Conclusion of the Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area

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dossier COM(2010)606 - Conclusion of the Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area.
source COM(2010)606 EN
date 25-10-2010
1. The European Union has a long-standing legislation protecting its waters, starting in the1970s and culminating in the 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD) i, establishing the objective of protection of all waters (rivers, lakes, groundwaters and coastal waters) and providing for coordination of efforts within shared river basins, across administrative and political boundaries. Under the WFD, where river basins extend beyond the territory of the Union, Member States shall endeavour to establish appropriate coordination with the relevant non-Member States, with the aim of achieving the objectives of the WFD throughout the river basin district.[2] Where coordination takes the form of an international agreement, participation of the European Union as a Party is necessary to the extent that the agreement covers matters falling within the Union's competence.

2. The Commission received an authorisation from the Council in 2006, based on Articles 175 and 300 i of the EC Treaty to participate, on behalf of the European Community with regard to the matters within the Community's field of competence, in the negotiations aiming at the conclusion of international river basin agreements in relation to river basins shared amongst others between Greece on the one hand and Albania, FYROM and/or Turkey on the other hand.[3]

3. The Prespa Park Area was designated as a transboundary protected area under the Declaration of 2 February 2000 by the Prespa countries,[4] and it is the first transboundary protected area in south-eastern Europe. The Prespa Lakes and their surroundings are a unique natural area with high ecological significance, which can only be preserved through a holistic approach at basin level.

4. Enhanced cooperation through international agreements similar to existing successful Conventions, such as those for the Protection of the Danube River i and for the Protection of the Rhine River i supports Member States in their efforts to fully and effectively implement EU water legislation and contributes to a common understanding and shared priorities with third countries for the use of available funding instruments.

5. The Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area has been negotiated by the European Commission, Greece, Albania and FYROM and constitutes an upgrade of the existing cooperation in the area while holding the potential to contribute to the successful implementation of the WFD.

It is therefore appropriate for the Union to conclude the Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area.