BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels, providing a formal space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The platform is designed to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from various sectors, alongside representatives from member countries. External organizations will also participate as observers, contributing their expertise to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
This initiative is co-chaired by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and European Committee of the Regions. The opening session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda for this meeting includes platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency. Throughout its term, the platform will be overseen by these three institutions, linking it directly with EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary objectives for Europe extending to 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. An EU-wide target aims to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states are encouraged to establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expert Forum Integrates Water Policy Development in the EU
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform now comprises members appointed for five-year terms under the Commission’s framework. These members will contribute to creating a three-year work plan that will be reviewed annually. The platform is set to meet twice a year in Brussels, except in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence on an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan aims to incorporate data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other technologies to improve infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, while digital systems and leak detection methods could lead to further savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Its Skills Development Efforts
Brussels also witnesses the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday, a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the academy emphasizes skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will feature presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 key actions tracked by the Commission. Current EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are rated as excellent. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.