This week, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that water resilience would be a central focus in her second term, as she nominated Swedish politician Jessika Roswall to lead the EU's environmental policy efforts.
Roswall, currently serving as Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs, has been nominated to take charge of the EU’s response to the increasing challenges posed by droughts and floods. Roswall’s new role in the European Commission will focus on environment, water resilience, and a competitive economy. Before officially taking up the position, Jessika Roswall’s nomination must first pass a parliamentary hearing with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
In this role, Roswall will be responsible for developing a water resilience strategy that was previously delayed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the issue would be a top priority in the coming years.
Roswall expressed her gratitude for the nomination, highlighting the portfolio’s significance in driving both EU competitiveness and the transition away from fossil fuels. Both she and von der Leyen belong to the same European political group, the European People’s Party (EPP).
Last week, during an environmental conference in Munich, von der Leyen stressed the urgent need to tackle water security, warning that by 2050, the world could face severe floods and water shortages. This concern was echoed by the Portuguese minister, along with representatives from 21 other EU member states, who called for stronger action on water security.
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), around 20% of Europe’s land and 30% of its population are affected by water stress annually, with economic losses estimated at €9 billion each year. These figures do not include the significant damage done to ecosystems. By the end of the century, the EEA predicts that dealing with water stress could cost the EU up to €65 billion annually, with agriculture, energy, and public water systems being the hardest hit sectors.
Furthermore, addressing flood risks between 2016 and 2021 cost the EU at least €14 billion, as estimated by the European Commission.
