Support for the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture and rural areas

Entry into force of amendments that shall contribute to increasing the resilience of agriculture to drought and flood prevention in agricultural areas; improving water efficiency by properly regulating water relations in agricultural areas and reducing run-off; and increasing water retention. 

The amendments shall comply with the requirements set out in the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C 58/01), in particular, it shall ensure compliance with the EU environmental legislation, including the EIA Directive and the Water Framework Directive. 

The amendments shall not lead to any deterioration of the level of compliance with EU environmental legislation with regards to investments that are considered significant or potentially significant investments pursuant to the Council of Ministers' regulation on projects likely to have a significant impact on the environment and investments in or affecting Natura 2000 areas. 

Moreover, the amendments shall not alter the currently binding rules on water intake.