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The EU pushes forward its Water Resilience Strategy to address water challenges

  • The EU pushes forward its Water Resilience Strategy to address water challenges

About the entity

In the face of mounting pressures on water resources, the European Union has taken a decisive step forward with the presentation of the European Water Resilience Strategy (EWRS). The proposal, led by MEP Thomas Bajada and backed by the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety, aims to consolidate a comprehensive framework for managing Europe’s water challenges through a combination of efficiency, digitalisation, and innovation.

A key document in the European political agenda

The Water Resilience Strategy is part of the broader European Green Deal framework and responds to growing concerns over water availability and quality across the continent. While the EU has already set ambitious targets for emissions reduction and biodiversity protection, water — an essential resource for economic activity and social well-being — requires a dedicated and coordinated approach.

A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights that 19% of the EU’s territory and 34% of its population experience recurrent water stress, posing a risk to key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and energy production. Furthermore, only 37% of surface water bodies achieve “good” ecological status in 2021, falling short of the targets set by the Water Framework Directive.

Technological innovations and digital tools in water management

The Water Resilience Strategy highlights the transformative role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in enhancing water management and monitoring. Key initiatives include:

Smart metering and data analytics: Advanced digital tools to track water consumption, detect leaks, and optimise resource allocation.
AI-driven monitoring systems: Algorithms capable of identifying subtle changes in water quality to prevent contamination and ecological damage.
Remote sensing and reporting: Digital platforms enabling real-time tracking of water use, quality, and availability.
Evidence-based decision-making: Improved data collection and analysis to inform regulatory policies and promote cost-effective water management solutions.

By mainstreaming these technologies, policymakers and water providers can ensure more efficient, sustainable, and resilient water systems.

Regulatory measures and economic policies

One of the EWRS’s core pillars is the implementation of binding sectoral targets for water efficiency. Water extraction and consumption limits will be established based on availability in each river basin, following a science-driven approach. To ensure compliance, the EU will introduce a new water audit framework for businesses with significant water consumption.

In financial terms, the strategy proposes the creation of a dedicated European fund for water resilience within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This fund will support infrastructure modernisation, research, and the development of innovative solutions, as well as climate adaptation measures. Additionally, the principle of cost recovery will be reinforced in water pricing, ensuring that tariffs reflect the true value of the resource and encourage its sustainable use.

Cross-border cooperation and water governance

Given that over 60% of Europe’s river basins are transboundary, the strategy underscores the need for enhanced cooperation between Member States. Mechanisms for shared management will be established to ensure an equitable and sustainable distribution of resources. Furthermore, international data-sharing and best practice exchanges will be promoted.

Next steps and outlook

The Water Resilience Strategy will be debated in the European Parliament in the coming months, where it is expected to secure broad support from MEPs. Subsequently, the European Commission will define the implementation details and coordinate with Member States to tailor measures at the national level.

At the same time, public consultations and stakeholder engagement will take place, involving industry representatives, regulatory bodies, and environmental organisations. The success of the strategy will largely depend on its effective execution and the availability of sufficient funding to carry out the necessary reforms.

Through the EWRS, the EU aims to place water management at the heart of its climate and economic agenda, ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource for future generations while strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy.

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