BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, uniting specialists, EU member governments, and international observers. This new forum underpins the European Water Resilience Strategy, approved by the Commission in June 2025, and gathers 60 experts from diverse sectors along with member state representatives. International organizations are invited to participate as observers, broadening the platform’s scope for discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
Leadership of the platform is shared by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall attended the opening session alongside EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The inaugural meeting concentrated on establishing working procedures, water efficiency measures, and the EU’s digital water management strategy. These three bodies will oversee the platform throughout its term.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy emphasizes three key long-term objectives: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-efficient economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. An EU-wide target aims to boost water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, with the Commission working on a unified method to measure progress. Member states are encouraged to set national targets tailored to their water circumstances and priorities.
Framework for Advancing Water Resilience Initiatives
In 2026, the platform called for specialists in areas such as water governance, financing, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Appointments are for five years, governed by rules established by the Commission. Participants will help develop a three-year work plan, subject to annual review. The platform is mandated to meet twice each year in Brussels, except in years with a dedicated Water Resilience Forum.
Digital water management ranks high on the platform’s agenda, with a May call for evidence on an EU action plan targeting this area. Focus areas include smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other digital tools to enhance infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. According to Commission reports, smart meters can cut water consumption by up to 25%, with additional savings achievable through digital monitoring and leak detection technologies.
European Water Academy Strengthens Research and Workforce Development
Brussels also announced the launch of the European Water Academy, part of the Water Resilience Strategy and managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus is on skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch included presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The overarching Water Resilience Strategy involves over 50 initiatives monitored by the Commission. Data from the EU reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological standards, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are rated excellent. Over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a formal forum for EU institutions, national authorities, and specialists to collaborate on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.