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The Glomma-Lagen (G-L) basin is used to analyse the main institutional mecha nisms and roles in the present Norwegian river basin operation and management, as well as the development of the conceptual framework for water resource management of large river basins. The main possibilities and constraints of the current river management system is also presented in view of the river basin boarders system proposed in the EU Water-Directive. We will focus especially on important G-L basin management issues such as flood control, fish mitigation and water pollution, to reveal the dilemmas of the current system in accordance to the EU Water-Directive. The most important challenges for a more holistic management of the G-L basin will be to analyse policy development and options, to integrate river basin stakeholder interest and to find long term sustainable solutions accepted by all main stakeholder groups. The achievement will be reduced stakeholder conflicts and a possibility to implement more cost effective flood control, water pollution control and fish mitigation measures. The structures, functions and quality of natural ecosystems will hence improve, and the public interest and the recreational use of the G-L river basin will increase. The development and implementation of a separate River Basin Plan will be a key tool within a more holistic basin management approach. The main constraints include the fragmented structure of the Norwegian 3 level public authority system and the corresponding legislation. A review of the river basin management system and the legislative framework is necessary to increase efficiency, identify cost effective measures, and secure the production of ecosystem pro ducts and services, and to comply with the EU Water-Directive.