BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels, aiming to unite specialists, EU governments, and international observers. This new forum underpins the European Water Resilience Strategy, which the Commission adopted in June 2025. Comprising 60 experts from various sectors and representatives from member states, the platform also allows international organisations to participate as observers, broadening the scope for discussions on water policy, 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 participated in the inaugural session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The initial meeting concentrated on the platform’s operational framework, water efficiency, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. These three bodies will oversee the forum throughout its mandate.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy emphasizes three primary long-term objectives: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, cultivating a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. It also commits to a collective EU target of increasing water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, with the Commission developing a unified measurement methodology. Member states are encouraged to set national targets aligned with their unique water conditions and requirements.
Framework for Water Resilience Initiatives Established by Platform
The platform builds upon a 2026 call for specialists across various fields, including water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Participants serve five-year terms in accordance with rules set by the Commission. Their contributions will shape a three-year work programme, which the platform will review annually. The framework stipulates two meetings each year in Brussels, except during years when a dedicated Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digital water management ranks among the earliest priorities for the platform. In May, the Commission initiated a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This effort encompasses smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. According to Commission documents, implementing smart meters can cut water consumption by up to 25%, with additional savings possible through digital monitoring and leak detection technologies.
European Water Academy Emphasizes Research and Skills Development
The Brussels initiative also features the launch of the European Water Academy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, this academy plays a vital role within the Water Resilience Strategy, focusing on skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer across the water sector. Its launch event highlighted presentations about the academy, introduced its first EUWA Champions, and outlined plans for cultivating a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 actions monitored by the Commission. EU statistics reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are rated with excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater undergoes treatment in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now provides a continuous forum for EU institutions, national authorities, and specialists to collaborate on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.