Programme for Transboundary Water Management in the Nile River basin adopted
In light of its longstanding experience in the management of transboundary river basins such as the Danube and the Rhine, the EU has a wealth of expertise to share. The EU Water Diplomacy Implementation aims at contributing to a confident management of the Nile River basin.
The Programme for Transboundary Water Management in the Nile River basin is a continuation to a process started more than 10 years ago; it highlights the EU commitment to support a pacific and effective management of the Nile River basin.
The Nile Basin Initiative is the only existing institutional framework for collaboration between the riparian countries along the Nile and therefore it is also the main vehicle for the EU to promote water diplomacy in the region.
The Programme will be managed by the German Cooperation Agency GIZ and includes an advisory committee co-chaired by the EU and Germany. Hence the EU will ensure that the programme remains fully neutral and that all the riparian countries along the Nile, whether or not an active member of the Nile Basin Initiative, are involved in its implementation. The Programme should meet the needs, the rights and the responsibilities of all the riparian countries along the Nile.
The EU impartially supports the ongoing political discussions and expects that the Programme for Transboundary Water Management in the Nile River basin contributes to deliver further incentives for agreement and collaboration and to be a first step in a confidence-building process.
Mindful of the respective rights and responsibilities of all States along the Nile River basin as well as of the vital necessity for those countries to enjoy a full and equitable use of the waters of the River, the EU is aware of the political importance of a concerted and consensual approach. Cognizant of the fact that the NBI continues to operate without the participation of all Nile basin states, the EU is committed to involving all Nile River riparian countries in the implementation of its support to any projects on the Nile River.
The Programme will provide support for confidence building among all riparian States and support country-led processes to address current differences around NBI and basin-wide cooperation in line with international law. It will also provide funds for studies and activities implemented on a bilateral basis between Egypt and the EU.
Related documentsCommission Decision of 8/8/2017 on the individual measure in favour of Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region to be financed from the 11th European Development Fund