European water policy compliance in the Netherlands: A phenomenological study

The European Union (EU) consists of 27 independent European states that work together to enhance political, economic, and social cooperation among their communities. About 70% of the EU Member States encounter noncompliance problems, and only 30% implement the EU policies on time. Differences between the Member States are reflected in their level of compliance with EU policies framed toward achieving the EU objectives. The use of infringement penalties in the past has failed to induce compliance attitudes owing to increase in the number of noncompliant cases, long periods of proceedings, and low levels of infringement penalties.;The present qualitative phenomenological research contributes toward the creation of a compliant culture in the EU by exploring the experiences of successful participants in the water management sector in the Netherlands. Twenty research participants participated in the implementation of the EU water policy between 2000 and 2008. The results of the interviews yielded 11 distinct thematic categories, which contained 56 units of meanings commonly found in the interview statements. The deterrent and facilitating factors that influenced the policy implementation process in the Netherlands are highlighted. Recommendations based on the models can contribute toward improving the EU water policy implementation process and serve as a positive example for other communities in the EU.