The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) calls for the development and updating of River Basin Management Plans based on six-year implementation cycles. Malta’s fourth River Basin Management Plan (4th RBMP), addressing the management of groundwater and surface waters for the fourth cycle of implementation of the WFD, is due to be reported by 22nd March 2028.
The River Basin Management Plan assesses the status of inland, coastal and groundwater in the Maltese islands, and identifies management measures necessary for the progressive achievement of good status conditions in these water bodies. The development of this management plan involves an extensive stakeholder consultation process.
The Directive requires three specific consultation phases, the first on the timetable for the formulation of the plans, the second on the identification of Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) and the third on the Draft Plans. Each consultation phase will last six months.
The first consultation phase addressing the 4th RBMP timetable publication, is being carried out through the EWA and ERA websites. The consultation of the SWMI and the draft plan shall be web-based and conducted through the official Government consultation portal: www.konsultazzjoni.gov.mt and EWA and ERA websites. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit their written comments via a dedicated consultation email. The consultation process will also be supported by thematic conferences and workshops to facilitate direct discussions with stakeholders.
The timetable for the preparation of Malta’s 4th River Basin Management Plan has been developed. The timetable and workplan outlining how the plan shall be developed are presented below. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback on this first phase of the consultation regarding the proposed timetable by 14 September 2025.
Feedback can be sent to the Energy and Water Agency at water-energywateragency@gov.mt; or to Environment and Resources Authority at era.policy@era.org.mt.
For further information contact EWA at water-energywateragency@gov.mt or ERA at era.policy@era.org.mt.
| Water Framework Directive Element | Workplan | Timeframe |
| Publication of Timetable and Work Programme | This will set out draft timetable and work programme to produce the fourth cycle of the RBMP and highlight the milestones in the RBMP where consultation is required. The timetable will also ensure public involvement in the consultation process. | March 2025 |
| End of web-based consultation on the 4th River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) timetable | September 2025 | |
| Review of Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) affecting the Malta Water Catchment District | Review of the existing SWMI or identification of new or persisting Significant Water Management Issues (SWMIs). – Quantitative water management issues – Water quality management issues – Horizontal issues | September to December 2025 |
| Launch of the public consultation on the SWMI | Public consultation for feedback on the identified SWMIs opens. | January 2026 |
| End of public consultation period on SWMI | Public consultation for feedback on the identified SWMI closes. | June 2026 |
| Drafting of the 4th RBMP | The drafting stage of the 4th RBMP shall commence. | July to December 2026 |
| Scoping stage of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process | To determine the scope and level of detail of the environmental assessment. | July to December 2026 |
| Launch of the public consultation on the draft 4th RBMP and the Environmental Report (as part of the SEA process) | Launch of the national consultation process for the draft RBMP and the Environmental Report. The six-month public consultation period allows stakeholders, the public, and relevant authorities to review and provide comments on the proposed plans and measures | January 2027 |
| End of the public consultation period on the draft 4th RBMP and the Environmental Report as part of the SEA process | Public consultation for feedback on the draft 4th RBMP and the Environment Report closes. | June 2027 |
| Updating the information in the 4th RBMP based on the outcome of the public consultation process | Based on the results of the public consultation process, the draft RBMP document will be updated to factor in any feedback received. | September to October 2027 |
| Finalisation of the 4th RBMP and the accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment report | Sets out objectives for the water environment and the strategies for meeting them, alongside this the Environment Report developed as part of the SEA. | December 2027 |
| Endorsement of the 4th RBMP by Government | The final 4th RBMP document is approved and endorsement by Government. | January 2028 |
| Official submission of the 4th RBMP to the EU Commission and publication | Submission of the final 4th RBMP to the European Commission and its publication. | March 2028 |