BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission inaugurated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels, creating an official space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. This initiative aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. The platform unites 60 specialists from various sectors alongside representatives from member states. Observers from international organizations will also participate, contributing external knowledge to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly chaired by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. Its inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions covered platform operations, the EU’s digitalisation plans for the water sector, and water efficiency initiatives. Throughout its term, the three bodies will oversee the platform, ensuring it remains directly connected to EU policy institutions and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to meet three primary goals for Europe by 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. It establishes a European Union-wide target to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is creating a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states may also establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Platform Connects Experts with EU Water Policy Development
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform was formed. Members are appointed for five-year terms in accordance with the framework established by the Commission. They will contribute to the development of a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform is scheduled to hold two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is convened during that year.
Digitalisation represents one of the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission launched a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission estimates, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection offering additional savings.
European Water Academy to Broaden Skills Development
The Brussels initiative also includes the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday, a key action under the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the academy emphasizes skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will feature presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. Data from the EU reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as excellent. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a continuous forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.
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