EU Strategy for water security in 10 questions and answers
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With this strategy, the European Commission responds to requests from Member States and various European federations. Europe thereby strenghtens its competitve position as a pioneer in sustainable water use and enhanced water security. The Q&A below outlines the main pillars.
Why is a Water Resilience Strategy necessary?
Water is essential for our health, agriculture, industry, biodiversity, and energy supply. Yet this resource is increasingly under pressure due to climate change and human activities. Each year, 30% of European territory faces water scarcity. Between 1980 and 2023, floods caused €325 billion in damages. Without European action, these risks are likely to escalate.
What does the strategy aim to achieve?
The strategy aims to:
- Ensure safe and affordable access to water for all
- Restore natural water cycles
- Promote innovation and digitalization in the water sector
- Build resilient infrastructure against climate impacts
- Improve implementation of existing EU legislation
What concrete actions does the Commission propose?
The strategy includes over 30 actions five themes:
- Better implementation of EU legislation The Commission will initiate structured dialogues with Member States and water authorities to strengthen compliance with existing directives (such as the Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive). Local governments will receive support for planning and enforcement.
- Stimulating investments The annual investment gap for water management is €23 billion. The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework will prioritize water. Thanks to the new Water Programme from the European Investment Bank, €15 billion in loans for infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and remediation projects will be offered. Private investments are also encouraged.
- Accelerated digitalization Through a digitalization action plan, the Commission aims to increase the use of smart water meters, satellite data (Copernicus), and AI applications in water management.
- Research and innovation The strategy will launch a European Water Academy, a Water Smart Industrial Alliance, and a European Knowledge and Innovation Community for water. Sustainability criteria for products (Ecolabel, Ecodesign) will be introduced based on water impact.
- Disaster preparedness The strategy will strengthen early warning systems for droughts and floods and collaborate with NATO to protect critical infrastructure. The EU Solidarity Toolkit will also be expanded.
What does this mean for Flanders?
As a water manager, permit issuer, and innovation region, Flanders can benefit from investment tools, knowledge sharing, and the EU's focus on integrated policy. Municipalities and intermunicipal organizations will receive more support for permitting, infrastructure planning, and applying the 'water-efficiency-first' principle. This new European approach aligns closely with the Flemish Blue Deal.
Will new legislation be introduced?
No. The strategy focuses on better implementation of existing directives. However, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive will be revised by 2027, and in 2028, the Commission will assess whether and how to expand the Water Reuse Regulation.
What does the 'water-efficiency-first' principle entail?
Water use should be minimized before tapping new sources. Examples include reuse of treated wastewater, efficient irrigation, and leak detection. Member States are encouraged to set their own targets, with a shared goal of 10% higher efficiency by 2030.
How are agriculture and industry involved?
For agriculture, the Common Agriculture Policy supports water-saving techniques as drip irrigation and precision farming, and promotes knowledge exchange on water efficiency.
For industry, water use will be included in sustainability criteria for data centers, and industrial clusters will receive support to improve efficiency.
How does the strategy promote social justice?
Access to drinking water and sanitation is a human right. The strategy emphasizes the importance of the Drinking Water Directive and the Urban Wastewater Directive, which require Member States to make water accessible, including vulnerable groups.
And internationally?
The EU aims to provide at least 70 million people worldwide with access to safe drinking water or sanitation and promotes cross-border cooperation through the UN Water Convention. The Global Gateway will support investments in infrastructure and governance.
What are the next steps?
This is a communication from the European Commission. Starting 1 July, Denmark will take over the EU presidency from Poland. It is expected that Danish ministers will lead the political debate on this topic in the Environment Council.