12 
 
threaten their conservation status. To support this, data collection on by -catch for all 
sensitive species needs to be stepped up.  
In addition, fisheries-management measures must be established in all marine protected 
areas according to clearly defined conservation objectives and on the basis of the best 
available scientific advice. 
2.2.7. Restoring freshwater ecosystems 
The EU’s legal framework on water is ambitious but implementation is lagging behind 
and enforcement must be stepped up 46. Greater efforts are needed to restore freshwater 
ecosystems and the natural functions of rivers in order to achieve the objectives of the 
Water Framework Directive. This can be done by removing or adjusting barriers that 
prevent the passage of migrating fish and improving the flow of water and sediments. To 
help make this a reality, at least 25,000 km of rivers will be restored into free -flowing 
rivers by 203047 through the removal of primarily obsolete barriers and the restoration of 
floodplains and wetl ands. Technical guidance and support to the Member States to 
identify sites and help mobilise funding will be provided by the Commission in 2021, in 
consultation with all relevant authorities48. Member State authorities should review water 
abstraction and impoundment permits to implement ecological flows in order to achieve 
good status or potential of all surface waters and good status of all groundwater by 2027 
at the latest, as required by the Water Framework Directive 49. To that effect, the 
Commission will provide technical support to Member States on their measures by 2023. 
Overall, large -scale river and floodplain restoration investments 50 can provide a major 
economic boost for the restoration sector and for local socioeconomic activities such as 
tourism a nd recreation. At the same time, these investments can improve water 
regulation, flood protection, nursery habitats for fish, and the removal of nutrient 
pollution.  
2.2.8. Greening urban and peri-urban areas 
Green urban spaces, from parks and gardens to green ro ofs and urban farms, provide a 
wide range of benefits for people. They also provide opportunities for businesses and a 
refuge for nature. They reduce air, water and noise pollution, provide protection from 
flooding, droughts and heat waves, and maintain a connection between humans and 
nature51.  
The recent lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us the value of green 
urban spaces for our physical and mental wellbeing . While protection of some urban 
                                                 
46  Fitness Check of the EU Water Legislation  (SWD(2019) 439);  Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water 
Treatment Directive (SWD(2019) 700). 
47  The target of 25,000 km is based on the Commission’s assessment of what is achievable in the EU by 
2030. 
48  The guidelines will take a wide range of issues into account , including hydropower generation, flood 
management, water supply, agriculture and navigability. 
49  These measures should be planned in the 3 rd River Basin Management Plans to be adopted by Member 
States in 2021, under the Water Framework Directive. 
50 Fitness Check of the EU Water Legislation (SWD(2019) 439). 
51  EnRoute project.