BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In a move to bolster water management across Europe, the European Commission inaugurated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday. This initiative establishes an official forum bringing together specialists, member state representatives, and international observers to discuss water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience. The platform is designed to facilitate the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 experts from various sectors, along with delegates from EU countries, while international organizations will participate as observers to contribute external insights.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and European Committee of the Regions. The inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions focused on platform management, digital transformation in the EU water sector, and strategies for water efficiency. Oversight of the platform will be maintained by these three institutions throughout its term. This organizational structure ensures close alignment with EU policy frameworks and civil society organizations.
The overarching Water Resilience Strategy sets out three primary objectives for Europe extending until 2050, aimed at revitalizing and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing safe, affordable water and sanitation. A key target includes improving water efficiency by at least 10% across the EU by 2030. While the European Commission is working on a unified methodology to establish water-efficiency targets, member states will have the flexibility to define their own benchmarks based on national circumstances.
Expert Forum to Shape EU Water Policy
Following a call for specialists issued in spring 2026, the platform now includes members with expertise in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Appointed for five-year terms, these members will contribute to drafting a three-year work plan, subject to annual review. The platform will convene twice annually in Brussels, with exceptions during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
One of the initial focus areas for the platform is digitalisation. In May, the European 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 the Commission, smart meters alone could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection promising additional savings.
European Water Academy to Broaden Skill Development
Monday also marked the launch of the European Water Academy as part of the Brussels program, representing a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the academy will focus on skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations about the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the emerging generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 key actions monitored by the European Commission. Current EU data indicate that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological standards, while 85% of bathing-water sites are rated as excellent. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is managed according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum, providing expert guidance on water protection, efficiency measures, investments, digitalisation, and ensuring access to clean water.