6 March marked the commencement of the high-level stakeholder consultation event, “Towards a Water Resilience Strategy for the European Union,” held in Brussels. Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, opened the event, emphasizing its significance: “Today’s event is an important part of our broad outreach efforts on the Water Resilience Strategy, one of the main priorities of my mandate. By bringing our experience and knowledge together, we can find lasting solutions to guarantee the EU’s water resilience. Water is not only the basis of life on our planet, it is also essential for our economic security and competitiveness.”

The European Water Resilience Strategy, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines in July 2024, aims to ensure proper management of water sources, address scarcity, and enhance the competitiveness and innovation of the water industry while adopting a circular economy approach. The strategy also has an international dimension, aiming to mitigate and prevent global water stress and improve access to water and sanitation.

Following the call for written evidence, which closed on 4 March, the event aimed at gathering ideas on actions needed to restore the broken water cycle, boost the EU water industry’s competitiveness, and promote clean technology for increased water efficiency and circularity. The discussions have been aligned with the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal, focusing on research, international cooperation, and expanding access to clean and affordable water and sanitation.

The European Water Resilience Strategy focuses on three specific objectives:

1. Restore and protect the water cycle: Ensuring sustainable management and protection of water resources.
2. Ensure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all: Addressing water scarcity and improving access to clean water.
3. Promote a competitive EU water industry: Enhancing innovation and competitiveness within the water sector as part of a circular economy.

The strategy addresses five key action areas:

1. Governance and implementation: Strengthening policies and frameworks for effective water management.
2. Infrastructure: Investing in resilient water infrastructure.
3. Finance and investment: Securing funding for water-related projects.
4. Security: Protecting water resources from risks and threats.
5. Industry, innovation & education: Promoting technological advancements and educational initiatives in the water sector.

To tackle water management challenges, the European Commission also intends to prioritise the '"Water Efficiency First" principle, to increase water reuse and circularity through sector-wide investment and innovation.  

IAWD welcomes these important steps towards a new European Strategy for Water Resilience. In the face of many challenges, Europe is moving forward – and moving in the right direction.