The Water Framework Directive (WFD) obliged Member States to develop the first River Basin Management Plans by 2009 and the second River Basin Management Plans by December 2015. Under its 'Framework contract to provide services to support the development and implementation of EU freshwater policies', the European Commission DG Environment awarded a Specific Contract to a European consortium to provide support in 'Compliance checking of the Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive Implementation'. Ecologic institute is partner in this consortium led by WRc.