Interview – Elisabeth Chouters, Deputy Director of Water for the Walloon Region, Walloon Public Service (Belgium)

What are the stakes of water governance in the Walloon region?

In Belgium, we have three distinct regions, each completely independent and autonomous in managing water resources. So, yes, we handle everything within our region, but we also cooperate with the other regions to implement European directives.

How do you cooperate between regions?

We have a structured framework that includes a group dedicated to environmental issues, and within that framework, there’s a specific group for water. The three national coordinators, who are responsible for their respective territories, meet regularly. Even though we are regions, we act in a national capacity for these discussions. We come together to discuss and make decisions on behalf of our regions.

How are you implementing the European water directive in your country? Could you explain how it is applied? Have the changes been made in the law already?

In Belgium, the process is always the same. Since we have three different regions, each one must transcribe the European directive into its own regional law. In the Walloon region, we have what we call the “Water Code.” All the directives related to water are incorporated into this regional code.

*Interview conducted during the 21st International Euro-INBO Conference, October 2023.