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 effort to address growing water stress and build long-term resilience.
The European Water Resilience Strategy marks a decisive shift in how the EU approaches water management. By emphasising integrated governance, efficient resource use, nature-based solutions, innovation, and cross-sector cooperation, the strategy offers a comprehensive pathway to secure Europe's water future. As climate pressures mount, the implementation of this strategy will be vital not only for protecting ecosystems and public health but also for ensuring Europe’s economic competitiveness and long-term stability.
During the Strategy’s launch, Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said: “Drought, flooding and extreme weather events are now the new normal. The situation is alarming. We also have figures showing that 30% of the European Union's land faces scarcity every year, so water is under huge stress. This is why the European Commission has put forward this important Water Resilience Strategy — because we need to act now.”
At the core of the Strategy lies the principle of “Water Efficiency First,” emphasising the need to prioritise demand management before expanding supply
She further underlined, “Water is not like any other resource. It’s life — we all need it. And we face huge stress in Europe and around the world when it comes to water. We have challenges not only with water quality but also with quantity. And it's not just one country facing these challenges — it’s all countries in Europe.”
Europe is warming faster than any other continent. Increasingly severe droughts, catastrophic floods, and prolonged dry spells are becoming the norm. Floods have caused an estimated €325 billion in losses between 1980 and 2023. At the same time, economic activities, population growth, and environmental degradation are further pressuring water resources. These stresses are not only environmental concerns but also pose risks to economic stability, social cohesion, and the EU’s global competitiveness.
Water scarcity is increasingly systemic, affecting 34% of the EU’s territory and 40% of its population at least seasonally. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these challenges further, with river discharges potentially declining by up to 40% during summers under high warming scenarios. The cascading impacts of water shortages are felt across sectors: agriculture faces yield losses; industries risk production halts; power generation becomes vulnerable; and households experience interruptions in water supply.
The principles of the strategy
The Strategy establishes an EU-wide objective to enhance water efficiency by 10% by 2030, encouraging Member States to set their own targets
At the core of the Strategy lies the principle of “Water Efficiency First,” emphasising the need to prioritise demand management before expanding supply. “We need to think about being more efficient when it comes to water. That’s why we are promoting the Water Efficiency First Principle. The objective is for the EU to use water 10% more efficiently by 2030,” said Roswall.
This approach reflects lessons from energy policy, where efficiency-first principles have become standard practice. According to the Commission’s Recommendation on Guiding Principles of Water Efficiency First, increasing water efficiency across sectors is not optional but a bare necessity. Water managers are encouraged to prioritise measures that reduce water demand before seeking additional resources through new reservoirs, desalination, or other supply-side interventions.
The strategy establishes an EU-wide objective to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, while encouraging Member States to set their own context-specific targets. This objective reflects both the urgent need to manage existing resources sustainably and the economic potential of water efficiency investments; however, some observers note that the target remains voluntary and would benefit from greater clarity on baseline measurements, sector-specific roadmaps, and implementation mechanisms.
During the press conference, Commissioner Roswall responded to concerns about the non-binding nature of the 10% target: “For me, it’s clear that we need targets and objectives to aim for. But I’m also very aware that the situation varies greatly across Member States and regions. It’s important to note that we need a solid methodology for how to measure progress.”
“The reason we mention the 10% target is that the European Environment Agency has put forward a new report highlighting both the challenges and opportunities across different sectors for improving water efficiency. I’m very mindful that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but having a common goal helps us move forward. This is why we aim for a 10% overall improvement across the EU, while allowing flexibility for Member States to define how to reach that target.”
Restoring and protecting the water cycle
A central pillar of the Water Resilience Strategy is the restoration and protection of Europe’s disrupted water cycle. Healthy ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and soils are vital for storing, purifying, and releasing water. However, overextraction, land-use changes, pollution, and climate change have severely impaired these natural functions.
The Commission will not propose new legislation, but will prioritise the full implementation of existing EU legislation, including the Water Framework Directive, the Floods Directive, and the Nature Restoration Regulation. Structured Dialogues with Member States will guide the enforcement of these rules, while technical assistance will support national and regional authorities in closing implementation gaps.
“I will not propose any new legislation. There is already a substantial body of legislation on water — on the sustainable use of water, the Water Framework Directive, and other directives. The legal framework is in place, but we need to focus on implementation. I will support Member States and encourage dialogue between them on how best to implement the existing legislation,” stated Commissioner Roswall.
To enhance natural water retention, the Commission will launch the "Sponge Facility", aimed at scaling up nature-based solutions that restore the sponge-like capacity of landscapes to absorb and store water. This integrated approach extends from rural landscapes to urban environments, where "sponge cities" will employ green infrastructure to manage stormwater and prevent urban flooding.
Building a water-smart economy
Economic sectors must adapt their water use to ensure resilience. Agriculture, energy, industry, and public water supply represent the lion’s share of Europe’s water abstraction. According to the European Environment Agency, cooling power plants account for 36% of abstraction, agriculture 29%, public supply 19%, and manufacturing 14%. Each sector presents unique opportunities for savings.
In addressing industrial water use, Roswall commented: “It’s clear that businesses themselves recognise they need to address water scarcity to remain competitive. That’s why innovation is so important.”
The Commission will mobilise private capital through the creation of nature credit markets and incentives for green investments
“This effort isn’t just about what the Commission or Member States do — we need to work together with industry as well. I would add that raising awareness is a key part of this strategy. Since becoming Commissioner, I’ve seen a growing recognition of the urgency of the water situation in Europe. We’re talking about it more, and this strategy marks the beginning of a journey. We will continue to have dialogue with all stakeholders, including industry, to see what we can do together.”
In agriculture, improvements in irrigation efficiency, smart farming technologies, and crop selection offer the potential to reduce water use by up to 20%. The CAP Strategic Plans will support investments in precision irrigation, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. The Emilia-Romagna region in Italy has already demonstrated the power of digital solutions: its IRRINET system has cut agricultural water demand by 20% without sacrificing yields.
In the industrial sector, pilot projects will promote closed-loop water systems and waterless technologies. The revised Industrial Emissions Directive will drive large industrial facilities to minimise water abstraction and reuse wastewater where feasible. The Commission also aims to integrate water use parameters into sustainability ratings for industries such as data centres, semiconductors, and battery manufacturing.
The Commission will strengthen early warning systems for floods and droughts and enhance monitoring of critical water infrastructure
For the public water supply, leakage reduction remains a priority. On average, one-third of drinking water is lost before reaching consumers, with some Member States experiencing losses exceeding 40%. Modernising infrastructure with digital smart metering and remote sensing can dramatically improve efficiency. The Drinking Water Directive requires Member States with high leakage rates to develop national action plans by 2030. As Commissioner Roswall explained, “We have leakages averaging 30% across the continent. This figure, of course, varies from one Member State to another, but it remains a major challenge — and also an opportunity to use digitalisation to address the problem.” She added, “We are teaming up with the EIB, which will substantially increase its funding for water resilience, with €15 billion committed over the next three years.” Highlighting innovation in the sector, Roswall continued, “We have good examples of how AI can help reduce leakages. One strong example comes from Bulgaria, where AI technology was able to detect leakages with 99% accuracy. I want to emphasise the importance of the innovation already happening in Europe. In fact, 40% of global innovations in the water sector are developed here. We need to build on that and scale it up. That’s why it’s also crucial to strengthen research and foster public–private cooperation.”
Reusing treated wastewater is another crucial measure. Today, only 2.4% of wastewater is reused in the EU. The Commission will support Member States through guidance and capacity building to expand safe water reuse beyond agriculture into industrial processes and urban applications. As Commissioner Roswall noted, “We use a lot of water, but we don’t reuse much of it. Although the situation varies across Member States, countries like Cyprus, Spain, and others are very good at water reuse. However, there are other Member States that have the potential to do better.”
The Strategy represents a major political acknowledgement of the mounting water crisis and sets a wide-ranging framework for long-term action
Asked about the implications of the strategy for consumers, Commissioner Roswall said: “For me, it’s about a change of mindset — not only for policymakers, but also for industry, farmers, and consumers. We all need to rethink how we approach water. That’s why we introduced the Water Efficiency Principle. This applies to consumers as well.”
“Water is a finite resource — we need to be mindful of that. It’s important to think about both quantity and quality. In Europe, water is polluted, and this is something consumers are very aware of and concerned about. I take that concern seriously. We need to raise awareness about this and also think about how we can ensure cleaner water while being more sustainable in how we use products.”
Investments and innovation for resilience
Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups and regions, ensuring that water resilience efforts promote social cohesion
Achieving water resilience requires substantial investments. Currently, annual water investments total around €78 billion, yet an estimated €23 billion gap remains. To close this, the Commission is launching the Water Resilience Investment Accelerator, supporting 20 pilot projects for natural water retention and efficiency innovations. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide over €15 billion for water infrastructure, while cohesion policy funds will direct an additional €24 billion to water-related projects during the 2021–2027 period. “We know there is a need for €78 billion in funding per year,” said Commissioner Roswall. “We have funding for up to two-thirds of this, from national sources, cohesion funds, and Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) money, but there is still a gap. The EIB’s new €15 billion is a significant increase and will help boost the private investment side.”
To bridge this gap further, the Commission will mobilise private capital through the creation of nature credit markets and incentives for green investments. “Further dialogue with industry is needed to boost and attract more private funding. We are going to put forward a roadmap on major credit initiatives, which will also be part of the private funding effort. This Strategy also includes a platform to help boost funding from both private and EU sources.” Moreover, the Clean Industrial Deal recognises water-efficient technologies as a competitiveness driver, opening new markets for Europe’s water technology SMEs and startups.
Research and innovation are equally critical. The Water Resilience R&I Strategy and the Water Smart Industrial Alliance will stimulate technology development and knowledge transfer. The Commission also plans to establish a Knowledge and Innovation Community on water under the European Institute of Technology, fostering entrepreneurship and skills development.
Security and preparedness
The Water Resilience R&I Strategy and the Water Smart Industrial Alliance will stimulate technology development and knowledge transfer
Water resilience is not only about long-term sustainability but also about crisis preparedness. The Commission will strengthen early warning systems for floods and droughts, enhance monitoring of critical water infrastructure, and bolster the EU’s solidarity toolbox to respond rapidly to disasters. Collaboration with NATO will help protect critical water infrastructure from hybrid threats and cyberattacks. Although the Commissioner emphasised that “The strategy does not focus specifically on cybersecurity, but rather on how we can use digitalisation to improve efficiency. From a broader perspective on water, it’s about our preparedness and resilience.”
Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups and regions, ensuring that water resilience efforts promote social cohesion and leave no one behind. Access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation remains a core objective of the EU’s social pillar.
The European Water Resilience Strategy thus represents a historic opportunity for Europe’s water sector and policymakers alike. As Europe faces accelerating climate threats, water professionals across the continent are called upon to bring their expertise, innovation, and leadership to build a water-resilient Europe for generations to come.
The success of the Strategy will depend on the pace and integrity of its implementation and on ensuring environmental sustainability
The European Water Resilience Strategy represents a major political acknowledgement of the mounting water crisis and sets a wide-ranging framework for long-term action. It brings water firmly into the heart of EU policy, highlighting the need for investment, innovation, and better implementation of existing laws to safeguard Europe’s water future.
Yet, as the climate emergency deepens, many in the water and environmental community caution that ambition must now be matched with concrete delivery. Critics point to the non-binding nature of the 10% efficiency target and limited financial clarity for scaling up nature-based solutions. The decision to reopen the cost analysis of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme has also sparked concern, with NGOs warning it could create legal and financial uncertainty and delay the rollout of essential pollution-reduction measures.
For all its promise, the success of the Water Resilience Strategy will depend not on words, but on the pace and integrity of its implementation and on ensuring that environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic efficiency move forward hand in hand.