Analysis: “Programmes and projects leading to only temporary and short-term deteriorations of the status of surface waters must meet exemption criteria: Association France Nature Environnement (C-525/20)” by Antonio Cardesa-Salzmann

In Association France Nature Environnement v Ministre de la Transition écologique et solidaire C-525/20 (AFNE), rendered on 5 May 2022, the French Council of State (Conseil d’État) (referring court) sought guidance from the Court of Justice regarding the scope of the obligation of Member States under Article 4(1)(a)(i) of Directive 2000/60/EC, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), to prevent the deterioration of surface water bodies, when such a deterioration is only temporary and for a short period of time.

In view of developmental needs, the question arises whether Member States can approve programmes or projects that contribute to the deterioration of the status of a body of su