The European Commission has launched a call for experts to form the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, a new mechanism designed to support the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy and accelerate action towards a more sustainable and competitive water economy.
Open until 17 April 2026, the platform will bring together organisations and public authorities from across the EU for a five-year term, including representatives from civil society, industry, financial institutions, research and academia, youth organisations, as well as local and regional authorities. Beyond its advisory role, the initiative is structured to contribute directly to the delivery of key actions under the Strategy, including identifying barriers, proposing solutions and supporting flagship initiatives.
The platform will focus on several enabling areas critical to water resilience, such as governance and implementation, investment and infrastructure, digitalisation, and research and innovation, as well as security and preparedness. Through regular exchanges and the sharing of best practices, members will help integrate water resilience into broader policy and funding frameworks, while addressing territorial disparities and ensuring inclusive outcomes.
Operationally, the group will develop a rolling three-year work programme, subject to annual review, and is expected to meet twice a year to provide coordinated input to the Commission. Its work will complement existing EU water policy frameworks and contribute to discussions at the biennial Water Resilience Forum.
The announcement coincides with World Water Day, highlighting the urgency of strengthening Europe’s capacity to respond to growing water-related challenges. As noted by Jessika Roswall, “water resilience is key to our health, security and prosperity,” while pressures from climate change, pollution and unsustainable use continue to intensify.
The platform will also include observers from key international and European organisations, including the European Environment Agency, the European Investment Bank, the European Central Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, UN-Water, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as well as networks such as IMPEL and the EPA Network.
Through this initiative, the Commission aims to foster coordinated, cross-sectoral action to safeguard water resources across Europe and beyond.
