European Water Resilience Strategy

The European Water Resilience Strategy was adopted today by the European Commission. The Strategy was introduced in a joint press conference by European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall. It aims at restoring and protecting the broken water cycle, securing clean and affordable water and sanitation for all and creating a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water-economy in Europe.

You can read the full text here.

This strategy marks a step forward in recognizing the strategic value of water and the urgent need for a more integrated and resilient approach to water management across Europe.

Its key objectives are:

• Restoring and protecting the water cycle as the basis for water supply.
• Building a water-smart economy with citizens and economic actors to support EU competitiveness, attracts investors, and promote the EU water industry.
• Securing clean and affordable water and sanitation for all, and empowering consumers to contribute to water resilience.

 

Moreover, the Strategy identifies five enabling areas with key EU actions that will support Member States in building water-resilient societies at different administrative levels:

i) governance and implementation,

ii) finance, investments, and infrastructure,

iii) digitalisation,iv) research and innovation, industry and skills

v) security and preparedness.

 

EWA has consistently advocated for a holistic and forward-looking water policy. We are pleased to see that many of our long-standing priorities are reflected in this Strategy.

We support the Source-to-Sea approach, which is essential for restoring the integrity of the entire water cycle. This integrated perspective will deliver benefits not only for water quality and ecosystems but also for climate adaptation and biodiversity.

EWA acknowledges the importance of further developing water reuse in agriculture. We look forward to the upcoming evaluation of the Water Reuse Regulation and its potential scope extension. We will continue to share our members’ best practices on this topic.

We strongly believe that water must be mainstreamed into broader policy areas—urban planning, energy efficiency, and economic development. Water is not a sectoral issue; it is a cross-cutting enabler of sustainability and resilience.

EWA is supporting the establishment of the EU Water Academy. We are already engaged in discussions with relevant stakeholders will continue to do so. It is an opportunity to address the ageing workforce in the water sector across Europe while promoting the development of digital solutions through lifelong learning programs, for example.

All of this will require financial support from the European Union. EWA encourages investment across all stages of water management, taking into account the effects of climate change today and in the years to come.

EWA is pleased with the Strategy and will monitor and support its implementation in the coming weeks and years to help make it the success we need to ensure Clean Water for Europe: Quality, Safety, and Sustainability for All.