2.2 Policy Frameworks for the European Governance
Structure
Understanding the policy framework is essential for analyzing the governance
structures in general. All five dimensions of governance (cp. Chaps. 1 and 3) are
directly or indirectly linked to the respective policy framework. Developed over
time from a series of scattered policies, the overarching drought and water scarcity
policy approach in the EU is undeniably complex. To make sense of this complexity, an applied framework for understanding the mix of policies is necessary.
This section introduces and describes a typology of tools for unpacking this
complexity, known as the policy mix concept (Flanagan et al. 2011). Later in the
chapter, we will explain the dimensions of the policy mix concept in more detail.
We will also apply this comprehensive policy mix concept as a conceptual tool for
deeper analysis of each policy we discuss.
2.2.1 Drought Policy Context
Concepts within the broad arena of water scarcity and drought are often not clearly
differentiated. This may hamper effective implementation of policies and measures,
as the lack of clear definitions and methods for analysis and adaptation cannot
adequately address the inherent drivers and pressures (Schmidt et al. 2012;
Vanneuville et al. 2012). Thus, in order to delineate adequate responses, defining
both drought and water scarcity is essential (see also Chap. 1).
As briefly touched upon in previous sections, there are three types of drought
policy responses: the post-impact (often crisis-oriented) drought policy approach,
the pre-impact drought policy approach (often vulnerability reduction and resilient
oriented), and the development and implementation of preparedness plans and
policies (often focused on institutional capacity, including organizational frameworks and operational arrangements) (Wilhite et al. 2014).
A harmonized approach to drought risk management is still lacking both at the
EU level and at the member state level. Consequently, the regional level also lacks
the full integration of drought risk management into relevant water policies
(Kampragou et al. 2011).
A core question for water scarcity and drought policy to consider centres around
supply and demand: Should the government respond to growing water uses by
finding additional supply to increased demands, or should it implement measures to
curb water use and encourage efficiency (European Environmental Agency 2009;
Water Scarcity and Droughts Expert Network 2007).
From the supply-side approach, policy measures often encourage restoration and
improvement of existing water infrastructures and/or continued usage and expansion of natural catchments and aquifers. The demand-side approach, on the other
hand, promotes policy measures that encourage subsidies and water efficiency
2 European Drought and Water Scarcity Policies
21
Structure
Understanding the policy framework is essential for analyzing the governance
structures in general. All five dimensions of governance (cp. Chaps. 1 and 3) are
directly or indirectly linked to the respective policy framework. Developed over
time from a series of scattered policies, the overarching drought and water scarcity
policy approach in the EU is undeniably complex. To make sense of this complexity, an applied framework for understanding the mix of policies is necessary.
This section introduces and describes a typology of tools for unpacking this
complexity, known as the policy mix concept (Flanagan et al. 2011). Later in the
chapter, we will explain the dimensions of the policy mix concept in more detail.
We will also apply this comprehensive policy mix concept as a conceptual tool for
deeper analysis of each policy we discuss.
2.2.1 Drought Policy Context
Concepts within the broad arena of water scarcity and drought are often not clearly
differentiated. This may hamper effective implementation of policies and measures,
as the lack of clear definitions and methods for analysis and adaptation cannot
adequately address the inherent drivers and pressures (Schmidt et al. 2012;
Vanneuville et al. 2012). Thus, in order to delineate adequate responses, defining
both drought and water scarcity is essential (see also Chap. 1).
As briefly touched upon in previous sections, there are three types of drought
policy responses: the post-impact (often crisis-oriented) drought policy approach,
the pre-impact drought policy approach (often vulnerability reduction and resilient
oriented), and the development and implementation of preparedness plans and
policies (often focused on institutional capacity, including organizational frameworks and operational arrangements) (Wilhite et al. 2014).
A harmonized approach to drought risk management is still lacking both at the
EU level and at the member state level. Consequently, the regional level also lacks
the full integration of drought risk management into relevant water policies
(Kampragou et al. 2011).
A core question for water scarcity and drought policy to consider centres around
supply and demand: Should the government respond to growing water uses by
finding additional supply to increased demands, or should it implement measures to
curb water use and encourage efficiency (European Environmental Agency 2009;
Water Scarcity and Droughts Expert Network 2007).
From the supply-side approach, policy measures often encourage restoration and
improvement of existing water infrastructures and/or continued usage and expansion of natural catchments and aquifers. The demand-side approach, on the other
hand, promotes policy measures that encourage subsidies and water efficiency
2 European Drought and Water Scarcity Policies
21