BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, uniting specialists, EU member states, and global observers. This new forum aims to bolster the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted by the Commission in June 2025. The platform gathers 60 experts across various sectors, along with representatives from member countries. International organizations may participate as observers, expanding the platform’s scope for discussions on water policies, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
Leadership of the platform is shared by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall attended the inaugural session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions Carlos Moedas. The initial meeting concentrated on the platform’s operational framework, water efficiency initiatives, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. These three institutions will oversee the forum throughout its mandate period.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy emphasizes three key long-term objectives: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, promoting a water-efficient economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. An overarching goal is to improve water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is developing a standardized approach for measuring progress on these targets, while member states are encouraged to set national goals that address their specific water conditions and requirements.
Framework established for water resilience activities
The platform builds on a 2026 initiative calling for experts in areas like water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms under regulations set by the Commission. They will help shape a three-year work programme, which the platform will assess annually. The established framework allows for two meetings per year in Brussels, except during years when a dedicated Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digital water management is among the first topics scheduled on the platform’s agenda. The Commission issued a call for evidence in May regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. The initiative focuses on smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other digital tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure oversight and water conservation. According to the Commission, smart meters could cut water consumption by up to 25%, with additional savings expected from digital monitoring and leak detection techniques.
European Water Academy emphasizes research and skill development
The Brussels initiative also includes the launch of the European Water Academy. This new entity forms part of the Water Resilience Strategy and is managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus areas include skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations on the academy’s mission, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals throughout Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses more than 50 actions overseen by the Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies achieve good ecological status, while 85% of bathing water sites are rated as excellent. Over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now provides a consistent forum for EU institutions, national authorities, and specialists to collaborate on water protection, efficiency improvements, investments, digitalisation, and access to clean water.
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