26 October 2010: The European Commission proposed that the EU ratify an agreement for the protection and sustainable development of the Prespa Park Area in south-eastern Europe, which was negotiated by the European Commission, Greece, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The Prespa Park Area had been designated as a transboundary protected area by Greece, Albania and FYROM, and it is the first example of a transboundary protected area in south-eastern Europe.

The agreement promotes conservation through a holistic approach at the basin level, inspired by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Under the agreement, the parties will be obliged to: manage the lakes in a prudent manner, giving special attention to the water level; prevent pollution; protect biodiversity; and ensure that any development of the area is carried out in a sustainable manner.

It is now up to the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to agree to ratification on the part of the EU. As a party to the agreement, the EU is expected to facilitate the sharing with states and stakeholders involved in the Prespa Park Area of experience, best practices and knowledge developed in the framework of the Common Implementation Strategy of the WFD on analyzing pressures and impacts on the watershed, monitoring the status of water, and ensuring public participation. [EU Press Release]