Water and aquatic ecosystems are under severe pressure
The European Water Resilience Strategy will develop a comprehensive multi-annual cross-sectoral plan with milestones in 2030 or 2040. The aim is to:
- make Europe water-resilient, ensuring that water sources are properly managed and scarcity is addressed
- strengthen the competitiveness and innovative edge of our water industry and take a circular economy approach.
The plan will cover action in the EU as well as worldwide. This consultation covers both the Water Resilience and Water Efficiency interlinked initiatives.
Why is the Water Resilience Strategy needed?
Despite the EU’s comprehensive laws to protect and sustainably manage water, structural mismanagement and widespread degradation of water resources and ecosystems are harming the EU’s environment, economy, and people.
Over the past years, floods, droughts, and water scarcity have become more frequent, causing billions of euros in damage and negatively affecting economic sectors. Alongside accelerating climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss exacerbate the problem, increasing tension between water users and constraining economic growth.
The strategy responds to a clear need for action to address water challenges in the EU from Member States, EU institutions and stakeholders, including local authorities, the private sector, NGOs and citizens.
What are the aims and potential impacts of the strategy?
The main goal of the European Water Resilience Strategy is to establish a path towards water security and resilience by ensuring the availability of clean water and better protecting the EU against water-related risks.
It aims to achieve that by integrating water considerations across different policies and funding sources, and by strengthening commitment, cooperation and trust-building between the sectors that rely on water and other stakeholders. The strategy also aims to contribute to mitigating and preventing acute water stress across the world.
Additionally, water resilience is a key component of the EU’s competitiveness. A water-smart economy that maintains its cutting-edge water industry will allow the EU to achieve its environmental and economic ambitions while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
The strategy will focus on three specific objectives:
- Restore and protect the water cycle.
- Ensure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all.
- Promote a competitive EU water industry as part of a clean, water-wise circular economy.
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