Demographic growth, economic activity and climate change are increasing both seasonal and perennial water scarcity in the EU. A substantial part of the territory is already affected by water abstraction in excess of the available supplies, and current trends indicate increasing water stress.

Agriculture depends on water availability. Irrigation helps to shield farmers from irregular rainfall, and to increase the viability, yield and quality of the crops, but is a significant drain on water resources. While around 6 % of EU farmland was irrigated in 2016, the sector was responsible for 24 % of all water abstraction.