In the shadow of Europe’s worsening droughts, floods, and a climate crisis that has left nearly a third of the continent parched each year, the European Commission today unveiled one of its most ambitious environmental strategies to date: The European Water Resilience Strategy . It is not just a policy document. It is a survival plan for a continent waking up to a new reality — water, once abundant and taken for granted, is now a fragile lifeline.
At a time when global water risk ranks among the top threats to economies and ecosystems, the EU has launched a sweeping blueprint to protect this essential resource. The strategy, backed by over 30 concrete actions, aims to restore the natural water cycle, secure clean water access for all, and transform Europe into a global leader in sustainable water technology and innovation.
President Ursula von der Leyen called it “a path toward a sustainable, resilient, smart, and competitive water-economy.” But behind the political language lies a stark truth: Europe can no longer afford to waste water — or delay action.
A Continent on Thirsty Ground
The numbers tell a dire story. Only 37% of surface water bodies in the EU are in good ecological condition. Just 29% meet chemical standards . And every year, 30% of Europe’s land suffers from water scarcity , a figure expected to rise with climate change. From Spain’s dried-up reservoirs to Italy’s poisoned rivers and Germany’s devastating floods, the signs are everywhere: the water cycle is broken.
“Water is life,” said Jessika Roswall , Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. “But extreme weather is putting water under huge stress. We all have to start using water more efficiently.”
The stakes could not be higher. Five of the top ten global risks for businesses are water-related , according to the World Economic Forum. Agriculture, energy production, manufacturing, and even digital infrastructure depend on stable water supplies. Without it, economic activity falters, food security erodes, and public health declines.
Three Pillars of Survival
The Water Resilience Strategy rests on three pillars:
Restoring the Water Cycle : Protecting rivers, wetlands, aquifers, and coastal waters through strict enforcement of existing laws like the Water Framework Directive and Flood Management Directive.
Building a Water-Smart Economy : Boosting efficiency, reducing leaks (which range from 8% to 57% across Member States), and investing in innovation.
Securing Access for All : Guaranteeing clean, affordable water and sanitation as a human right, while promoting behavioral change among consumers and industries.
Central to the second pillar is the Commission’s Recommendation on Water Efficiency , which sets a binding goal to improve water use efficiency by at least 10% by 2030 . Member States will be urged to set their own national targets tailored to local conditions.
“The future of our economy depends on how we manage water today,” said Teresa Ribera , Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. “This is a comprehensive plan to fix our broken water cycle and safeguard water for generations to come.”
Billions Needed — And Promised
To make the strategy work, the EU is mobilizing over €15 billion in public funding from the European Investment Bank alone between 2025 and 2027. That includes a new Water Programme and Sustainable Water Advisory Facility , designed to help cities and companies modernize aging infrastructure and deploy cutting-edge solutions.
Private investment will also be crucial. Digital metering, AI-driven leak detection, satellite monitoring, and nature-based solutions — such as wetland restoration and permeable urban surfaces — are all part of a tech-forward vision aimed at turning Europe into a global exporter of water innovation .
Already, European firms hold 40% of global patents in water technologies — a competitive edge the bloc hopes to exploit.
Governance, Innovation, and Preparedness
The strategy also introduces five key enablers:
Governance reforms , including structured dialogues with Member States and cross-border cooperation;
Investment acceleration , with increased cohesion funds and a roadmap for nature credits;
Digitalization , via an EU-wide Action Plan on AI and smart water systems;
Research and skills development , including a European Water Academy;
Security and early warning systems , expanding real-time flood and drought monitoring.
“We need a cultural shift,” said Roswall. “Water resilience must become a shared responsibility — from farmers to mayors, from CEOs to citizens.”
Global Leadership and Local Accountability
Internationally, the EU plans to lead by example. Through the Global Gateway initiative , it will promote water resilience partnerships worldwide, especially in regions facing acute water stress. The idea is not only to export expertise but to foster stability in vulnerable countries where water scarcity fuels conflict and migration.
Domestically, however, the strategy faces steep challenges. Enforcement of existing water laws has been inconsistent. Some Member States have long struggled with pollution, over-extraction, and lax regulation. Now, they must act swiftly or face deeper scrutiny.
Starting in December 2025, the Commission will convene a biennial Water Resilience Forum , bringing together stakeholders from government, business, academia, and civil society to assess progress and push for accountability.
A mid-term review in 2027 will measure whether the strategy is delivering results.
A Wake-Up Call
The release of this strategy comes amid rising public concern. According to the 2024 Eurobarometer , 78% of Europeans believe the EU should do more to address water issues. They are right.
The European Water Resilience Strategy is more than a bureaucratic exercise. It is a recognition that water is not infinite — and that without urgent action, Europe risks becoming a continent where prosperity, security, and even democracy itself are undermined by thirst.
As President von der Leyen put it: “Water is life. Water resilience is key for our citizens, farmers, environment, and businesses.”
Now, the real test begins: Will Europe act before it’s too late?
The Commission has presented a plan to support EU countries in managing water more efficiently. By implementing current EU water laws and actions, we can ensure water security and prepare for water-related disasters, locally and globally. Everyone needs access to secure, clean and affordable water.
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