BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In Brussels on Monday, the European Commission initiated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, creating an official space for specialists, EU member countries, and international participants. This platform aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 experts from various sectors along with representatives from member states. Observers from international organizations will also take part, providing external insights on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience discussions.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. During the inaugural session, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas participated. The agenda covered platform management, the EU digitalisation plan for the water sector, and water efficiency initiatives. These three bodies will oversee the platform’s activities during its term, establishing a direct connection between the forum, EU policy entities, and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe extending to 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy commits to increasing water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a unified approach to water-efficiency targets, allowing member states to set their own benchmarks based on national circumstances.
Expert Platform Supports 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, members received five-year terms as outlined by the Commission. They will contribute to shaping a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform’s structure anticipates holding two meetings annually in Brussels, with exceptions in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is organized.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial priorities. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan involves data-based systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools designed to optimize infrastructure operations and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems, along with leak detection, could provide further savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Skills Development Initiatives
The Brussels program also features the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy, coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus lies in enhancing skills, fostering research, encouraging innovation, and facilitating technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will showcase presentations about the academy, introduce its first EUWA Champions, and highlight the next generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the European Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as excellent. Over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a dedicated forum for expert advice on water conservation, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.
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