This report considers the links between watermanagement in the EU �� especially theimplementation of the Water Framework Directive(WFD) �� and territorial cohesion (1), in theperspective of spatial analysis (2) and spatialplanning (3). It looks at the role of spatial analysisand planning for the implementation of the Directiveas well as related provisions such as the Floods Directive and the development and implementationof River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). Itconsiders links between Regional Policy (4) andwater management in the EU, including thelessons from a spatial perspective. It further looksat cross?country cooperation, a key element ofboth the WFD and territorial cohesion and finallyconsiders future challenges for implementation ofthe Directive and the development of RBMPs, inparticular considering the spatial context.