BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, assembling specialists, EU governments, and international stakeholders. This innovative forum aims to bolster the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted by the Commission in June 2025. The platform features 60 experts from various sectors along with representatives from member states. Additionally, international organizations can participate as observers, enhancing the platform’s capacity for discussions related to water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
Shared leadership of the platform is held by the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, alongside the European Commission. 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 addressed the platform’s operational procedures, water efficiency initiatives, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. Over the course of its mandate, these three institutions will oversee the forum’s development.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy establishes three overarching goals: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. An EU-wide objective is to boost water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, with the Commission currently developing a common measurement method for these targets. Member states are also encouraged to set national targets aligned with their specific water conditions and requirements.
Framework Laid Out for Water Resilience Initiatives
A call issued in 2026 seeks experts across diverse fields such as water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms based on rules set by the Commission. They will contribute to a three-year work program, which will undergo annual reviews by the platform. The structure allows for two meetings per year in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is scheduled in a given year.
Digital water management takes a prominent place on the platform’s agenda, with a related EU action plan being explored through a call for evidence issued by the Commission in May. This work encompasses smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other digital tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. According to Commission materials, smart meters can cut water consumption by as much as 25%, while digital monitoring and leak detection methods promise additional savings.
European Water Academy Focuses on Research and Skill Development
The Brussels initiative also marks the launch of the European Water Academy, which is integrated into the Water Resilience Strategy and managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its primary focus is on skills enhancement, research, innovation, and the transfer of technology within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations about the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 actions overseen by the Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as having excellent quality. Over 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a formal forum for EU institutions, member states, and specialists to collaborate on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.