European Policies Supporting Innovative Nature-based and Circular Solutions in Lake Restoration

FutureLakes has reviewed 13 European policies across seven countries, assessing their role in supporting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Circular-Based Solutions (CBS) for lake restoration. While policies and regulations such as the Water Framework Directive, Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive have contributed to reduced aquatic pollution, challenges with water quality remain. New policy initiatives, such as the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Water Resilience Strategy, offer opportunities for systemic change. Common Agricultural Policy introduces several NbS and mitigation measures, however agriculture continues to undermine water quality causing challenges for policy coherence and integration. Country comparisons show that strong legal frameworks exist in Northern Europe. Non-EU Member States-Scotland and Norway-have adopted EU-aligned policies. However, legal fragmentation in Greece may cause challenges for policy implementation. In addition, local challenges vary from nutrient pollution in the north and water scarcity in the south highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Our analysis indicates a need for stronger policy integration, legal coherence, better enforcement and financing, context-specific solutions, and scaling-up best practices across Europe.