EU launches the European Water Resilience Strategy
Water resilience and sustainable water management must be at the heart of our agenda to enhance EU security and make businesses more competitive and innovative.
Europe's water systems face mounting pressure due to unsustainable management, pollution, and the increasing demands from industry, agriculture and urban areas – all exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. In response, the EU Commission adopted the European Water Resilience Strategy last week, aiming at restoring and protecting the water cycle, securing clean and affordable water for all and creating a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water-economy in Europe.
This comprehensive strategy will support Member States in managing water more efficiently, both through implementation of current EU water legislation and through over 30 actions. Member States, regions and municipalities, but also citizens and businesses, are the key actors of water resilience.
The Strategy focuses on three key objectives:
1. Restore and protect the water cycle, from source to sea
2. Build a water-smart economy to boost competitiveness, attract investment and promote the EU's water industry
3. Secure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all
The Commission will start implementing flagship actions as set out in the Strategy and will monitor the progress of the Recommendation on water efficiency.
As from December 2025, the Commission will convene, every two years, a Water Resilience Forum, providing an inclusive dialogue with EU stakeholders to advance the implementation of the Strategy.