European Commission
European Commission is a international organization that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Europe’s renewable freshwater: in majority of regions, up to half appropriated by humans
JRC scientists analyse water appropriation in Europe, based on estimated demand in key economic sectors and estimated volumes of available freshwater.
Severe drought hits East Africa, driving a potential humanitarian crisis
Drought conditions since September 2025 – exacerbated by scarce rainfall and warm temperatures – are harming crops, livestock and food security in East Africa, in particular in Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia and Eastern Kenya, according to the latest drought report from the JRC-run Global Drought Observatory (GDO). With worryingly low soil moisture levels, vegetation severely impacted by the […]
European Commission calls on Poland to ensure periodic review of water permits
The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Poland (INFR(2025)2160) for failing to correctly transpose the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), including the obligation to carry out periodic reviews of water permits. Full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and […]
Commission launches dialogues with Member States to ensure sustainable water management in Europe
The outcomes of the dialogues will represent a considerable step towards achieving water resilience in the EU.
Close to €1.6 billion of EU funds will help Spain recover from Valencia’s devastating floods
The European Commission has proposed to the European Parliament and the Council an aid of €945 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to support the recovery from the destructive ‘DANA floods' of October 2024 in Valencia. In addition, the Commission has approved the reallocation of €645 million from Spain's cohesion policy funds via […]
Roberta Maffettone (European Commission): “Water reuse is key to EU circular water strategies”
Water reuse offers Europe a vital opportunity to strengthen resilience to water scarcity and climate change. Roberta Maffettone explains how the Joint Research Centre supports Member States with science-based guidance and tools to advance safe and effective reuse across the EU. As Europe faces increasing water scarcity and climate challenges, water reuse is becoming a […]
The EU Water Resilience Strategy and what it means for Europe
At the beginning of June, the European Commission unveiled its long-awaited Water Resilience Strategy, setting out a call for a more coordinated and determined European response to escalating water-related pressures. Developed under the leadership of Commissioner Jessika Roswall, the strategy positions investment, innovation, and stronger implementation of existing laws as the core pillars of Europe’s […]
Escalating drought threatens Europe’s ecosystems and agriculture
Europe is facing a severe drought that is already affecting agriculture, according to the Joint Research Centre’s report on Drought in Europe – June 2025. Fast and coordinated actions can help reduce risks and impacts. Europe's growing drought conditions A severe drought is affecting large regions in central, northern and eastern Europe as well as in […]
New breakthrough for monitoring microplastics in water
Microplastics are inevitable in our daily lives. We inhale them. We ingest them. We drink them. From the depths of our oceans to mountain peaks, and increasingly within our own bodies, these tiny pieces of plastics are present all over our planet. The JRC has now released a world-first reference material which will help improve analysis […]