Europe’s rivers, lakes and wetlands are under increasing pressure at this moment. At EU level, discussions are underway that could reopen and revise key environmental legislation – including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the cornerstone of European water protection policy.
For anglers, this is not an abstract policy debate. Healthy waters and abundant fish stocks are the foundation of our beloved outdoor activity.
Why does the Water Framework Directive’s protection matter to the angling community ?
The European Anglers Alliance (EEA) has long been engaged in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Since its adoption in 2000, the WFD has driven efforts to:
- reduce pollution,
- restore river continuity and│improve the ecological status of Europe’s waters.
It covers rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and other aquatic ecosystems — the very environments on which fish populations depend.
Yet, despite progress, many waters across the EU still fail to reach “good environmental status (GES)”. Climate change, habitat fragmentation, water abstraction and emerging pollutants continue to affect our freshwater ecosystems, fish stocks and aquatic biodiversity.
⏐ What is needed now is more consistent implementation and proper enforcement of the existing rules — rather than reopening and potentially revising the Water Framework Directive, as announced by the European Commission under its RESourceEU Action Plan, which foresees a review & revision of the Directive in Q2 of 2026.
For the recreational fisheries sector, the link is clear:
- Clean water means healthy fish.
- Restored river connectivity means successful fish migration.
- Strong environmental standards mean sustainable angling opportunities for future generations.
⏐ Anglers are often the first to notice changes in water quality, fish behaviour or habitat degradation.
Why sign the petition?
An EU-wide petition has been launched by Europe’s civil society organisations calling on EU-decision makers to uphold and fully implement Europe’s environmental laws, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), rather than reopening them – as was proposed by the EU Commission in its ResourceEU Action Plan.
⏐ Tackling water pollution is a no-brainer for EAA: freshwater is a unique resource, indispensable not only for Europe’s stability and prosperity, but also for businesses to operate and for nature to thrive.
By signing the petition, anglers can send a simple message:
Europe must maintain strong water protection rules and ensure they are properly implemented!
The European Anglers Alliance supports this initiative because safeguarding aquatic ecosystems is crucial for recreational fisheriesactivities in Europe.
Stand up for water, nature, our freshwater ecosystems & our beloved fish species! Sign the petition now via this link.
