Transboundary Waters Within the Scope of EU Water Framework Directive

By the second half of 20^th Century, human beings have become fully conscious about the given harm to the nature. The adverse effects of rapid population growth, industrialization and urbanization to the environmental resources, realized over the carrying capacity of nature.Not only for Turkey, but also for all communities, the most important problem waiting for solution is about “environment”.In recent years, the visible effects of climate change have been seen especially on “water resources”. Water is valuable asset.The survival of all living things is possible with access to clean water. Water is most likely source of conflict which may threat the environmental security of countries.
 
One of the most important goals of Turkey’s foreign policy is to be a member of EU. To reach this goal, some criteria must be fulfilled and the legislation of our country needs to be adapted to the legislation of EU.Water subject is handledunder the chapter on environment within the scope ofthe accession negotiationsstartedon 3^rd October, 2005withEuropean Union (EU).Water Framework Directive (WFD), the main document of EU water legislation, came into force on 22^nd December, 2000 with intent to prevent pollution of all water bodies in the EU territory.