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The European water framework directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC, establishes a framework for community action in the field of water policy, introducing a new perspective from a modern view of water policy to all Member States of the European Union, with important consequences for future water management. This paper reviews the status of the implementation of the EU water framework directive in Spain focusing on river basin management plans, which are an essential tool established by the EU water framework directive to reach the environmental objectives in the European Union water bodies. Spain has a long tradition in water resources planning and current plans, the main aim of which is to allocate water resources to water uses. These plans are being revised and extended to include water protection requirements derived from the EU water framework directive. Recently, specific and related plans, such as drought management plans, have been approved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]