BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission announced the launch of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, uniting specialists, EU governments, and international observers. This new forum aims to bolster the European Water Resilience Strategy, which the Commission adopted in June 2025. Comprising 60 experts from diverse sectors and representatives from member states, the platform also welcomes international organizations as observers, broadening the scope of discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The leadership of the platform is shared by the European Commission in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall participated in the opening session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The inaugural meeting focused on establishing working procedures, water efficiency, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. These three institutions will oversee the platform throughout its term.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy emphasizes three overarching goals. It advocates for restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-efficient economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. Additionally, the strategy commits to increasing water efficiency by at least 10% across the EU by 2030, with the Commission developing a standardized approach for measuring progress. Member states are encouraged to set national targets tailored to their specific water conditions and demands.
Framework for Water Resilience Efforts Established by the Platform
Following a call for specialists in fields such as water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalization, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform’s membership was formed. Members serve five-year terms in accordance with rules established by the Commission. They will help shape a three-year work program, which will be reviewed annually. The platform’s structure includes two annual meetings in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum occurs.
Digital water management is among the primary issues on the agenda. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This initiative covers smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other digital tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters alone can cut water consumption by up to 25%, with further savings possible through digital monitoring and leak detection techniques.
European Water Academy Emphasizes Research and Workforce Development
Brussels is also home to the European Water Academy, launched as part of the Water Resilience Strategy and coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The academy’s focus areas include skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. Its launch event featured presentations on the academy, its 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. Data indicates that only 37% of surface water bodies attain good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are rated with excellent quality. Over 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, investments, digitalization, and access to clean water.