ABSTRACT
Some structural variables intervene significantly in this process. First, there is a wide range of national legal frameworks, and the need to harmonise them with the WFD principles. Secondly, the WFD does not impose a rigid policy or institutional framework (except for the establishment of river basin administrations): redesigning institutions or adapting them to collaborative action must be dealt with at the national, regional and local levels. Thirdly, there’s a highly differentiated set of contexts inside the geographical scope of the EU where this policy principle is to be applied (social, cultural, economical, hydrologic and others). Finally, we should pay close attention to the fact that public perceptions on water issues can either be a potentially beneficial or disruptive variable on the implementation of such a political vision.
