The Commission is calling on Spain to comply with the requirements of the Floods Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC). Under this Directive, Member States are required to reduce and manage the risks of floods by carrying out a preliminary flood risk assessment to identify areas at risk of flooding, and to enable the establishment of a proper flood risk management plan.
The first preliminary flood risk assessment had to be established by 2011. Member States were required to provide information on the review of their preliminary flood risk assessments by 22 March 2019. The review and update are important so that both the public and the Commission are aware of new flood risk developments.
The European Green Deal stresses the importance of Europe remaining on track to meet its environmental objectives. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Spain in October 2020, for failing to fulfil this obligation in the Balearic Islands river basin district. Therefore, the Commission has now decided to send a reasoned opinion to Spain today.
Spain now has two months to take the necessary measures, otherwise the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice.
