On March 22, World Water Day 2011, the European Commission has called on governments to improve the protection of European waters. The day was also set as the dealine for national administrations to present their river bassin plans. This step is part of the EU's Water Framework Directive, adopted in 2000, which establishes a European framework for the protection of all water bodies in the European Union with a view to achieving good quality water resources by 2015.

By 2012, a "Blueprint to safeguard European Waters" is envisaged.