Water problems of central and eastern Europe-a region in transition

A review of water problems occurring in central and eastern Europe (CEE) is presented. The region consists of countries in transition from a centrally planned economy and single-party political system towards a market economy and democracy. Recent examples are discussed of dramatic droughts and floo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrological sciences journal 2001-12, Vol.46 (6), p.883-896
Main Author: KUNDZEWICZ, ZBIGNIEW W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
central and eastern Europe
droughts
développement durable
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Europe centrale et orientale
Europe, central
Europe, eastern
Exact sciences and technology
floods
gestion de l'eau
Hydrology. Hydrogeology
inondations
pollution
sustainable development
sécheresses
water management
Water resources
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Summary:A review of water problems occurring in central and eastern Europe (CEE) is presented. The region consists of countries in transition from a centrally planned economy and single-party political system towards a market economy and democracy. Recent examples are discussed of dramatic droughts and floods. Water pollution in the region is a ubiquitous problem as a heritage of several decades of neglect of environmental costs. The essential challenges for water management are considered, based on sustainable development principles. The dominant driver in several CEE countries is the prospect of integration with the European Union (EU). Compliance with the existing EU water-related legislation in the CEE region will be a difficult, costly and lengthy process. The necessary expenditures related to compliance with the existing EU legislation in the water and wastewater sectors are in the range of 2-10% of GDP for 15 years. The regional water vision document foresees that "in two to three decades there will be sufficient, safe, clean and healthy water for nature and people living in stable societies" in the region.
ISSN:0262-6667
2150-3435
DOI:10.1080/02626660109492883