National and local legislation
Since December 2003, a new legislative and institutional framework has been put into force in Greece. It consists of Law 3199/9-12-2003 (OJG 280A/2003) on the "protection and the sustainable management of the water resources" with which the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) is transposed into the national legislation. This new framework Law foresees a radical reorientation of the respective administrative capacities and introduces an innovative and holistic approach concerning water management that recognizes explicitly the ecological function of water. It lays emphasis on management of water on river basin level as well as on water pricing so that it reflects its full costs. The 3199/03 Law also incorporates the 'polluter pays principle' and the objective of maintaining or reaching a 'good ecological status' for all water resources through control of pollution by use of thresholds levels and standards. It also introduces innovative approaches concerning protection of water quantity and cooperation on transnational level.
Joint Ministerial Decision No 69269 (2003), which has to do with the categorization of works and activities, the content of Environmental Impact Assessments, the determination of the content of Special Environmental Studies and other related provisions according to Law 1650/1986. The aim of the law 1650/1986 is the institution of fundamental rules and the establishment of criteria and mechanisation methods for the protection of the environment, so that man, both as an individual person and as a member of the society, can live in a high quality environment in where his health is protected and the development of his personality is propitious.
Water use directions at local level (Prefect of Xanthi, 2000). Special emphasis is given to groundwater sources regarding the establishment of new wells and the areas where the use of groundwater is restricted.
