BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission announced the launch of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating an official space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. This initiative aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It gathers 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member nations. International organizations will join as observers, bringing external insights to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is co-chaired by the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, with the European Commission also involved. The opening session was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions focused on platform operations, the EU digitalisation plan for the water sector, and water efficiency. The three institutions will supervise the platform throughout its term, linking it directly with EU policy authorities and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to meet three primary objectives for Europe by 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring safe, affordable water and sanitation. An overarching EU goal is to boost water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission develops a common methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states may establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expertise Central to EU Water Policy Development
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, members were appointed for five-year terms under the Commission’s framework. They are tasked with helping craft a three-year work plan, which will undergo annual review. The platform’s rules stipulate two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is scheduled during that year.
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, which includes data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools intended to improve infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection providing additional savings.
Skills Development Through European Water Academy
The Brussels initiative also marked the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday, a key measure under the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre oversees this project, which emphasizes skills, 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 encompasses more than 50 key actions tracked by the Commission. Data from the EU show that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological standards, while 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as having excellent quality. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU regulations. The stakeholder platform now serves as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.