BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday in Brussels, the European Commission initiated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, providing a formal space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The platform aims to facilitate the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from various sectors alongside representatives from member states. External expertise will also be contributed by international organisations participating as observers, enriching discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly led by the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, and the European Commission. Its inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions included the platform’s operational framework, the EU’s digitalisation strategy for the water sector, and water efficiency measures. Throughout its mandate, these three institutions will oversee the platform, ensuring a direct connection with EU policy bodies and organized civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe extending to 2050. These include restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. A key target set by the strategy is to enhance water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is working on a common methodology for water-efficiency targets, individual member states may establish their own benchmarks based on national conditions.
Expert Collaboration Enhances EU Water Policy Development
Following a call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness issued in spring 2026, the platform was formed. Members will serve five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission, and they are expected to contribute to the development of a three-year work plan that will be reviewed annually. The platform’s schedule includes two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is held in that year.
Digitalisation ranks among the platform’s initial focus areas. A May call for evidence was launched by the Commission concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan addresses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other technological tools designed to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to materials from the Commission, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems alongside leak detection can generate further savings.
European Water Academy to Broaden Skills Development Initiatives
The Brussels program also includes the launch of the European Water Academy scheduled for later Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy, coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus areas are skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer in the water sector. The launch event will feature presentations on the academy itself, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses more than 50 key actions monitored by the European Commission. Data indicates that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as excellent. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investments, digitalisation, and access to clean water.