BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission officially introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels, aiming to unite specialists, EU member state representatives, and international observers in discussions. This new forum is designed to bolster the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted by the Commission in June 2025, and features a diverse group of 60 experts spanning various sectors along with representatives from member countries. International organizations are permitted to participate as observers, thereby broadening the platform’s scope for dialogue on water policy, infrastructure development, efficiency measures, and resilience building.
The platform’s leadership is shared by the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, with Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall participating in the inaugural session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The initial meeting concentrated on establishing the platform’s operational procedures, enhancing water efficiency, and outlining the EU’s digital water management strategy. Over its mandate, the three institutions will steer the forum’s development and activities.
The Water Resilience Strategy emphasizes three overarching goals for the long term, including restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. It also commits the EU to a target of increasing water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, with the Commission working on a unified method for measuring progress, while member states can set their own national targets tailored to their specific water conditions and requirements.
The platform establishes a framework to advance water resilience efforts
In response to a call made in 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform’s members are appointed for five-year terms in accordance with rules set by the Commission. They will contribute to a three-year work programme that will be reviewed annually, with two meetings scheduled each year in Brussels, except during years when a dedicated Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digital water management ranks among the initial topics on the agenda. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan aimed at digital water management, which encompasses smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other tools designed to enhance infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. According to materials from the Commission, smart meters have the potential to cut water consumption by up to 25%, with further savings achievable through digital monitoring and leak detection technologies.
The European Water Academy enhances focus on research and skills development
The Brussels initiative also features the launch of the European Water Academy, which is integrated into the Water Resilience Strategy and managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its activities center on developing skills, promoting research, fostering innovation, and facilitating technology transfer within the water sector. The launch included presentations about the academy’s objectives, the first EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy comprises over 50 actions monitored by the Commission. According to EU data, only 37% of surface water bodies attain good ecological status, whereas 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 permanent forum for EU institutions, national authorities, and experts to collaborate on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalization, and access to clean water.