This policy-related paper from Water Europe aims to contribute to an EU reflection on key policies for recognizing the value of water and achieving a Water-Smart Society.

Following up the resolution of the European Parliament calling on the European Commission to present a comprehensive water strategy and the conclusions of the Council in March 2023, underlining the importance of a strategic EU approach to water security, an EU Blue Deal must embody a cross-sectoral strategy involving a wide range of European stakeholders.

The European Union shall be a frontrunner in terms of water-related solutions. This EU Blue Deal shall recognise the value of water to ensure water security, sustainability, and resilience. Therefore, Europe must not close the Green Deal chapter but open a second one for a Water-Smart Strategy which will put water – the main natural resource of our society, economy, and environment – at the heart of the EU agenda.