Doc. 10598

21 June 2005

Europe’s contribution to improve water management

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mrs Papadimitriou and others

1. Water management is a critical element for the sustainable development of Europe, and a matter for all. International organisations, governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities, scientists, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and European citizens at large need to work together and co-operate to ensure the sustainability of this precious resource.

2. At the global level, the Millennium Development Goals and the Plan of Implementation agreed at the World Summit for Sustainable Development highlight the decisive role that water plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems and in ensuring sustainable rural and urban development. The United Nations has proclaimed the period 2005-2015 as the International Decade for Action on ‘Water for Life’ and the Council of Europe should continue to contribute towards reaching internationally-agreed water goals and targets.

3. Ensuring good water quality and appropriate management will play a very important role in the future sustainability of Europe’s environment and key economic sectors such as agriculture and tourism. The Action Plan adopted at the Warsaw Summit on 17 May 2005 reflects the commitment of Heads of States and Government of Member States to “improving the quality of life for citizens” through the further development and support of integrated policies on the environment. The implementation of existing instruments and commitments by member States, such as the 2001 European Charter on Water Resources, should be a primary focus for action.

4. The preparatory work leading to the 4^th World Water Forum in 2006: ‘Local Actions for Global Challenges’ is well underway, including regional and thematic activities. The Council of Europe is a key player and the focus for local and parliamentary involvement in the preparations, conduct, and follow up to the World Water Forum. The Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will be actively involved in a European Solidarity Week for Water in October 2005 whose results will feed into the European contribution to the World Forum.

5. Important issues and initiatives that need to be discussed for the European contribution to the World Water Forum include the principle of interdependence and the need for joint policies; the importance of public debate and sharing of experience; the responsibility of local, regional and national authorities, governments, parliaments and civil society in managing water resources.

6. The Assembly should send a strong message to the 2006 World Water Forum regarding the importance of a common and integrated approach to water management in Europe, and the shared responsibility of all those involved: from parliaments to governments, from the private sector to civil society.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed ¹:

PAPADIMITRIOU, Elsa, Greece, EPP/CD

ALAY FERRER, Vicenç, Andorra, SOC

ANTTILA, Sirkka-Liisa, Finland, LDR

BOCKEL, Jean-Marie, France, SOC

COLOMBIER, Georges, France, EPP/CD

de MELO, Maria Manuela, Portugal, SOC

DORIĆ, Miljenko, Croatia, LDR

DUPRAZ, John, Switerland, LDR

FERNÁNDEZ AGUILAR, Adolfo, Spain, EPP/CD

GARCIA PASTOR, Eva, Andorra, LDR

HÖGMARK, Anders G., Sweden, EPP/CD

HUSS, Jean, Luxembourg, SOC

ILAŞCU, Ilie, Romania, NR

LINDINGER, Ewald, Austria, SOC

LOBKOWICZ, Jaroslav, Czech Republic, EPP/CD

MEALE, Alan, United Kingdom, SOC

PLATVOET, Leo, Netherlands, UEL

PUCHE, Gabino, Spain, EPP/CD

TXUEKA, Iñaki, Spain, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group