Organizational Challenges of the (Local) Water Supply in the European Union Member States

Abstract

The authors discuss challenges of water supply in the European Union and the Member States, which mainly refer to local systems. The Member States retain autonomy in the water supply, however European Union general rules, and in particular the competition rules, are used for 'soft' liberalization (and privatization). The authors expose complex public policy issues of water supply; taking into account characteristics of the water sector. The article highlights typical models of the water sector organization with advantages and shortcomings. Dogmatic favouring or ranking of certain models, already at the abstract level, shall be rejected. Authors opt for case-by-case ranking of such organizational models. Dogmatic favouring of private participation and market competition is disputable and a credible discussion shall not be limited only to their advantages but also to their costs and risks.

Ajar Door to Private Interests in Water (Drinking Water Supply) Market – Rare Case of Slovenia, Triggered by the Eu Proposal of the Directive on Concessions

“…Although the access to drinking water and its supply was not, prior to the mentioned change, regulated in the Constitution, I had certain sympathy to such critics several years ago, when the first proposal was given to the Parliament to regulate the right to drinking water. However, after several studies, comparative solutions, the viewpoints of the European Commission 7 and after taking into account a changed environmental climate and realizing the decreasing resources of drinking water (for decades now) made me totally rethink my position. The following article is therefore also a list of arguments of cognizance made on my personal level and stimulated me to rediscover and hence to change my position towards a constitutional regulation of the right to drinking water.…”