Contribute to a European water resilience strategy
As part of the recently published EU Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission is developing an ambitious plan to strengthen Europe’s resilience in various areas. The Draghi Report highlights three key pillars for enhancing the EU’s competitiveness, one of which focuses on reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security—a domain where water management and water security play a crucial role.
To tackle growing water scarcity and promote more efficient water use, the European Commission will introduce the European Water Resilience Strategy in the second quarter of 2025 as part of its EC Work Programme 2025. This strategy aims to improve the management of water resources, address water scarcity, and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s water sector.
Two consultations
In preparation for this strategy, the European Commission has launched two public consultations, open until 4 March 2025:
These consultations aim to develop a well-supported strategy, incorporating input from stakeholders across different sectors. The focus will be on enhancing water efficiency, advancing circular water solutions, and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Water is essential to our economy, food production, energy supply, and ecosystem services. Furthermore, access to clean drinking water is recognised as a fundamental human right.
High-level roundtable
To conclude the consultation phase, the European Commission will host a high-level stakeholder roundtable on 6 March 2025, titled "Towards a Water Resilience Strategy for the European Union". This event will bring together policymakers, scientists, and industry representatives to refine the strategic direction of Europe’s water policy.
Discussion in the European Parliament
The European Parliament is also actively engaging with this issue, conducting preparatory studies. The Parliamentary Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) has drafted a report: "Towards a Water-Smart EU: A Foresight Study on Water Scarcity and Drought".
The coming months will be crucial for contributing insights and shaping a robust European water strategy. Stay informed about further developments and participate in the consultations via the official channels of the European Commission.
National Status Reports
On 4 February, the European Commission also published status reports for individual Member States, providing key insights that will inform the Water Resilience Strategy.
These reports include progress assessments on water management, as well as country-specific recommendations to promote sustainable water management practices across Europe.
The report for Belgium contains specific recommendations with a direct impact on businesses:
Permits & Regulations
- Ensure that permits for water abstraction and discharge are regularly reviewed.
- Include conditions in permits that guarantee environmental flows (e-flow) and water balance.
- Link permits more effectively to the status of the water bodies concerned and enforce strict compliance.
Costs & Financing
- Apply water charges to all water abstractions, including those from non-navigable waterways.
- Ensure that all sectors, including industry and agriculture in Flanders, pay both a fixed and variable fee per unit of water used.
Pollution Control
- Strengthen measures to reduce nutrient and pesticide pollution, including mandatory actions if voluntary initiatives prove insufficient.
- Adopt a more ambitious yet pragmatic approach to tackling chemical pollution, with specific attention to priority substances and water body-specific contamination in rivers and groundwater.
Exemptions
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Exemptions from water quality targets should be more rigorously justified, requiring:
- A comprehensive analysis of cumulative effects.
- An assessment of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
- A clear justification of measures taken to mitigate negative impacts from new developments.
The next few months will be critical in shaping a resilient European water strategy. Stay informed about upcoming developments and participate in the consultations via the European Commission’s official channels.
Provide Your Input for the Water Efficiency First Consultation (Before 4 March)
Provide Your Input for the Water Resilience Strategy Consultation (Before 4 March)
