Workshop on WFD Article 4.7

In the first management cycle, Member States gained valuable practical experience in the application of exemptions, which has highlighted some concrete implementation issues that would greatly benefit from updated guidance. The Commission and Member States have in particular identified the need to develop more detailed guidance on the application of Article 4(7) for new modifications and for new sustainable human development activities.

In this context, the first workshop on Exemptions under Article 4(7) of the WFD was held from 13-14 December 2016 (Brussels). The aim of the workshop was to exchange information on case studies from across the EU to gain a better understanding of experiences and remaining challenges in the practical application of Article 4(7). A Key Issues Paper, developed prior to the workshop using input from the MS, guided the discussions at the workshop and serve as a basis for drafting a practical guidance document on the application of Art.4(7) in 2017.

AGENDA (pdf)