Even though the European Union (EU) tends to be seen and treated as an environmental ‘leader’, there is yet still
significant potential for it to learn lessons in various areas, such as water policy. For example, the implementation of the EU’s Water Framework Directive (2000) has been highly variable across and even within individual states. During the revision process of this Directive, it has to be considered how this current situation could be improved. One idea is to draw lessons on public participation from comparable multi-levelled governance contexts but  with advanced public engagement (e.g. USA or Australia).

The paper analyses the scope for a  transfer of knowledge and experience from abroad by assessing theoretical accounts of the most likely facilitator and obstacles to lesson drawing. It concludes that while the EU could potentially learn from these jurisdictions, potential policy learners should bear in mind that there are likely to be significant obstacles in practice.