EWA Supports the Launch of the European Water Academy

On 21 September 2026, the European Water Association (EWA) joined the launch of the European Water Academy in Brussels. Launched by the European Commission as a key element of the European Water Resilience Strategy, the Academy aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to build a more water-resilient Europe.

Representing EWA as one of the Academy's First Champions, EWA Vice-President Elisabeta Poci highlighted that Europe's water resilience depends not only on infrastructure, finance and technology, but also on the people working across the water sector. She emphasized the importance of investing in skills, fostering collaboration and ensuring that professionals have access to high-quality training opportunities throughout their careers.

EWA has been supporting the concept of a European platform for water skills and capacity building since the early discussions that led to the Academy's creation. The new initiative will help connect professionals across borders, bridge the gap between policy and practice, and build on the valuable training already provided by national associations, utilities, universities and professional organisations.

As part of its contribution to the Academy, EWA will offer its Introduction Course to EU Water Policy and Legislation, supporting professionals in understanding how European water policies are developed, adopted and implemented.

The launch event brought together representatives from across the European water community, including several members of the EWA network. EWA was pleased to welcome the participation of:

• Katerina Schilling (IAWD - Voice of the Danube)
• Ivan Ivanov (Bulgarian Water Association)
• Annika Bahl (Wilo Group)
• Claudia Topalli (IDEXX)
• Tania Pentcheva (Xylem)
• Thomas Wintgens (ISA, RWTH Aachen University)
• Roxana Alexandru (Romanian Water Association)

Their participation, whether as speakers or attendees, reflected the strong engagement of EWA members in advancing knowledge, innovation and professional development across the European water sector.

Earlier the same day, Arthur Guischet, Secretary General of EWA, participated in the first meeting of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, contributing to discussions on the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy.

The launch of the European Water Academy marks an important milestone for Europe's water sector. By bringing together expertise from across the continent and creating new opportunities for learning and cooperation, the Academy will help equip water professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address future challenges.

EWA looks forward to supporting the Academy's development and helping turn knowledge into action for a more resilient and sustainable water future.