The symposium highlighted the changes to rivers and specific actions that have been brought about by the European Legislation, particularly the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), which was recently confirmed as being fit for purpose. The emphasis was on improved implementation in quantity and quality, better progress and increased attention to eco-hydro-morphological conditions and measures. Besides, the focus of this year’s Symposium was on the possibilities and opportunities presented by the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the EU Green Deal.
The symposium ranged from presentation of high-level policy briefs and dialogue in panels with direct implementers and practitioners. Special focus was placed on alignment and exploration of interests between water users (water supply, navigation, agriculture, and hydropower) and conservation and planning and management authorities. Case studies and examples were explored in more detail in these groups.