“In 2025, water is finally gaining prominent visibility on Europe’s political agenda”

With growing water and climate challenges and the EU’s heightened focus on water resilience, can you comment on Water Europe’s role in shaping water governance in Europe?

Water Europe emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates technological innovation, policy development, and community engagement

Water Europe’s vision is to build a Water-Smart Society. We aim to achieve this by connecting diverse stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society to foster collaboration and drive progress. We advocate for policies that promote water resilience and sustainable management, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates technological innovation, policy development, and community engagement. Through our initiatives, we aim to shape a robust governance framework that ensures water security for current and future generations.

Commissioner Jessika Roswall recently previewed the forthcoming European Water Resilience Strategy; how do you assess the current momentum and future prospects for elevating water issues on the EU’s political agenda?

First of all, the appointment of Commissioner Roswall already marks a very important step forward in elevating water resilience as a strategic priority for Europe. It signifies a strong commitment to addressing water-related challenges and advancing sustainable solutions at the highest policy level. This momentum is now further supported by the upcoming European Resilience Strategy, which presents an opportunity to embed water resilience into the broader framework of Europe's preparedness and sustainability. By integrating sustainable water management, technological innovation, and stronger governance, the strategy can ensure that Europe is better equipped to tackle current and future challenges, safeguarding water resources for communities, industries, and ecosystems, alike.

Efforts to build a water-smart society must involve all sectors. How can cross-sector collaboration be strengthened to ensure that water sustainability, security, and resilience are integrated into Europe’s broader economic and environmental strategies?

At Water Europe, we believe that building a Water-Smart Society requires strong cross-sector collaboration, and we actively foster this through our annual events and also our collaboration programme with our Expert Groups, and Communities of Practice (CoPs). Our flagship events, Water Innovation Europe, Water Knowledge Europe and Water Market Europe serve as dynamic platforms for connecting diverse stakeholders. These events facilitate knowledge exchange, promote partnerships, and accelerate the uptake of innovative solutions, ensuring that water sustainability, security, and resilience are integrated into Europe's broader economic and environmental strategies.

Additionally, our Expert Groups and Communities of Practice provide continuous dynamic spaces for collaboration and dialogue, where professionals from various sectors can share insights, co-create solutions, and contribute to shaping European water-related policies and initiatives. Through the Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs), we provide platforms for showcasing, testing, and deploying transformative water-related solutions and approaches, accelerating the journey of innovation from concept to market.

Most companies recognize business risks associated with water challenges; how can the private sector be better integrated into the EU’s water resilience strategy to promote sustainable practices while maintaining competitiveness?

The private sector can be better integrated through incentives for sustainable water practices, clearer regulatory frameworks, and support for innovative solutions. Water Europe advocates for policies that encourage corporate investment in water-efficient technologies and circular economy practices. Highlighting the business case for sustainability, where resilience equates to competitiveness, is essential for long-term engagement.

Some industries like semiconductors and hydrogen production are highly water-intensive, yet they are crucial to Europe's economic growth and technological advancement. How do you propose balancing the demands of these industries with the broader goals of water sustainability and resilience?

Our study calls for €255 billion in investments by 2030 for water management and infrastructure, supporting the growth of key industries

​Balancing the water demands of water-intensive industries, like semiconductors and hydrogen production with Europe's goals for sustainability and resilience requires a multi-faceted approach. According to our Water Europe’s socio-economic study on the Value of the EU investing in Water, these sectors are projected to grow substantially, with water demand potentially increasing by 2.6 times by 2030. To address this challenge, investing in advanced technologies is essential to enhance water efficiency and reduce consumption through cutting-edge purification systems and closed-loop recycling processes. Diversifying water sources, such as utilizing desalinated seawater, can alleviate pressure on freshwater supplies and strengthen resilience in water-stressed regions. Strategic investments in water infrastructure are also crucial. Our study calls for €255 billion in investments by 2030 to enhance water management and infrastructure, supporting the growth of key industries while ensuring environmental sustainability. Additionally, strengthening partnerships between industries, policymakers, and research institutions is vital to fostering the development and implementation of innovative, water-saving technologies and sustainable practices. This collaborative approach ensures that water sustainability is fully integrated into Europe’s broader economic growth strategies.

Water Europe’s vision emphasizes the integration of “multiple waters” into water systems, including rainwater, brackish water, and recycled water. What are the main barriers to adopting this diversified water management approach, and how can they be overcome?

Integrating diverse water sources, such as rainwater, brackish water, and recycled water, into Europe’s water systems is essential for achieving our vision. However, regulatory challenges remain significant, as existing frameworks may not sufficiently support the safe integration of alternative water sources. Public perception, also, plays a critical role, with concerns about health and safety often limiting acceptance of recycled or non-traditional water. 

Additionally, many existing systems are technically ill-equipped to manage multiple water sources efficiently. Overcoming these barriers requires clear policy reforms, stronger public engagement to build trust in alternative water solutions, financial incentives to encourage infrastructure development, and investments in research to foster innovative and cost-effective technologies. By addressing these challenges, Europe can make significant steps by moving towards a more sustainable and resilient water future.

Digital Water technologies, such as AI, IoT, and digital twins, are central to optimizing water system management. How do you envision these tools reshaping water governance and decision-making processes across Europe?

Digital water technologies like AI, IoT, and digital twins can transform water governance in Europe by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. AI optimizes resource allocation and detects inefficiencies, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of water quality and infrastructure. Digital twins can also allow stakeholders to simulate scenarios and plan proactive strategies. In sectors, like data centres, adopting advanced cooling technologies, such as adiabatic systems, could reduce water consumption by 74 million m³ and save €260 million in operational costs annually by 2030, according to our study. These innovations not only lower environmental impacts but also free potable water for essential use. By integrating these digital tools and enhancing data management, Europe can improve decision-making, drive efficiency, and build a resilient Water-Smart Society.

The concept of a circular water economy features prominently in Water Europe’s vision. What are the most promising innovations or policies that have emerged in the past year to accelerate the shift from linear to circular water management in both urban and industrial contexts?

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, what are the critical milestones or actions Water Europe aims to achieve to ensure meaningful progress in building a Water-Smart Society? How will success be measured in this transformative journey?

2025 is a crucial year, with water finally gaining prominent visibility on the political agenda. As the Water Resilience Strategy takes shape and water is recognized as a key driver of Europe's competitiveness, the outlook is highly promising. Water Europe will strengthen its policy efforts, foster collaboration through its Expert Groups and Communities of Practice, and create the conditions for its entire community to seize emerging opportunities. Success will be measured by increased policy uptake, tangible improvements in water efficiency and reuse, and stronger stakeholder engagement. We remain committed to driving progress through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration, all with the aim of building a Water-Smart Society.