A week of learning and exchange on water management best practices has been organised by the European Union-funded project “European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries” (EUWI+) from 25 to 28 November 2019 in Paris, France.
The meeting brings together the Programme’s implementing partners (UNECE, OECD and an EU-Member State Consortium of Austria, Umweltbundesamt Austria, and France, International Office for Water), government officials, delegates and economists from the six Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine), the European Commission and French authorities (ministries, Water Agency).
Third regional EUWI+ Steering Committee Meeting on 26 November
The aim of the EUWI+ week was to steer progress of the EUWI+ project with the third Regional EUWI+ Steering Committee meeting, informing high-level representatives of the six countries on recent developments regarding water policy and integrated water management.
EUWI+ third Steering Committee Meeting on 26 November 2019 in Paris, France
Experience-sharing between project partners and French practitioners
During the week, two study visits and a workshop were organised. EUWI+ week started with a high-level study visit with the French authorities (Ministry of Inclusive Ecological Transition, Europe and Foreign Affairs, Health and Solidarities and the French Office for Biodiversity) to learn on organisation of the water governance system.
High level study visit with the French authorities on 25 November 2019 in Paris, France
The Regional capacity building event on Economic Instruments for strengthening water management took place on 27 November, and was devoted to using Economic Instruments (EIs) for managing water resources and infrastructure.
Participants shared lessons learnt from the region and from EU and OECD members, discussed good practices and problematic issues. Eastern Partnership countries delegates had opportunity to indicate areas where further improvements were required, including with assistance from development partners.
The EUWI+ WEEK ended with a study visit to the Lille Metropole and Artois Picardy Water Agency. Participants discussed with senior officials on setting tariffs, planning and financing capital investment, as well as on service organisation for River Basin Management Planning.
Study visit to Artois Picardy Water Agency on 28 November 2019 in Lille, France
More pictures on EUWI+ Facebook Page:
EUWI+ 3rd Steering Committee meeting
High level study visit with the French authorities.
Background
Through the European Union Water Initiative Plus for the Eastern Partnership (EUWI+), six of the partnership countries are aligning their national policies and strategies with the EU acquis to achieve sustainable water management. In 2020, a major key output of the project is the new river basin management plans developed in eight pilot river basins in the six countries, including an upgrade of water laboratory and water monitoring equipment. The guiding document and new equipment capacities ensure a global and integrated approach in water management, considering various economic, social and ecological issues to guide the development of appropriate sustainable water management strategies.