Re-elected Head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen commenced her 2024-2029 term with a speech that listed the key priorities for the European Commission, building on her first term while introducing new initiatives to address emerging challenges.

Next to strengthening European competitiveness and building on the Green Deal with work towards decarbonization, sustainable energy production, and circular economy, Von der Leyen emphasized water as a top-priority area, calling for a European Strategy for Water Resilience for proper management of water sources. The need for data, the protection of wetlands and the mapping of water-related challenges in both cities and rural areas emerge as areas requiring urgent action.

This focus on water resilience also features prominently in the mission letter given to Jessika Roswall, the newly appointed Commissioner for "Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy". The mission letter states that the new Commissioner will “lead the work on the European Water Resilience Strategy to strengthen water security in Europe. This strategy will address water efficiency, scarcity, pollution and water related risk. It will aim to enhance the competitive innovative edge of our water industry, develop clean tech, take circular economy approach and include proposals to digitalise water management, cycles and utilities.”  

IAWD welcomes this strong focus on water in the current European Agenda. We and our partners will gladly lend a hand in working out the European Strategy for Water Resilience. In the face of many challenges, Europe is moving forward – and moving in the right direction.