BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission inaugurated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels. The platform aims to unite specialists, EU member state representatives, and international observers. It was created to support the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted by the Commission in June 2025. The forum includes 60 experts from various sectors alongside representatives from member states. Observers from international organizations may participate, broadening the platform’s scope for discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The European Commission shares leadership of this initiative with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall participated in the inaugural session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The initial meeting focused on the platform’s operational arrangements, water efficiency initiatives, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. Throughout its term, these three institutions will steer the forum’s activities.
The Water Resilience Strategy for the EU establishes three primary long-term objectives. It emphasizes restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. An EU-wide target is also set to improve water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. To track progress, the Commission is developing a unified method for measuring these goals. Member states may set their own national targets aligned with their specific water conditions and needs.
The platform provides a framework to advance water resilience efforts
The platform responds to a 2026 call for specialists in areas such as water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms based on rules established by the Commission. They will contribute to a three-year work plan that the platform will evaluate annually. The framework includes two meetings per year in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is scheduled for that year.
Digital water management is among the initial topics scheduled for discussion. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. The focus is on smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other digital tools designed to enhance infrastructure monitoring and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters alone can cut water consumption by up to 25%, with additional savings possible through digital monitoring and leak detection technologies.
The European Water Academy emphasizes research and skills development
Brussels is also home to the launch of the European Water Academy. This initiative is part of the Water Resilience Strategy and is managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus areas include skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations on the academy itself, its first EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 actions monitored by the European Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies achieve good ecological status. Conversely, 85% of bathing-water sites are rated as having excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now provides a continuous forum for EU institutions, national authorities, and experts to collaborate on water protection, efficiency, investments, digitalisation, and ensuring access to clean water.