Aspects institutionnels de la gestion durable de l’eau en Europe

Abstract

It’s a paradox that the continent where water resources and water services provision are best managed is overlooked by the global debate on privatisation. In Europe, water resources tend to escape both a privatisation and a control by a Master-State, and to become a common property of their users. Institutional differences between France and its principal neighbours are sketched, but also the common trends are indicated; the Water Framework Directive gives the opportunity to develop them wisely in the direction of sustainable development.