The study describes the formation of river basin management plans (RBMPs) in Poland in terms of recognition of barriers and solutions to facilitate the review and the revision of the planning documents, which, according to the requirements of Directive 2000/60/EC (referred to as the Water Framework Directive - WFD), should take place until 22 December 2015, and thereafter every six years. In the paper following elements have been analysed: planning approach (methods and procedures for planning), structure of the planning institution and its internal and external connections, participation and...