BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday. The initiative brings together specialists, EU governments, and international observers. Its goal is to support the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted by the Commission in June 2025. The platform includes 60 experts from various sectors and representatives from member states. International organizations can join as observers, expanding the discussion scope on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions share leadership of the platform alongside the European Commission. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall participated in the opening session, along with EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The initial meeting addressed the platform’s operational rules, water efficiency, and the EU’s digital water management plan. These three institutions will steer the forum during its term.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary long-term goals. It emphasizes restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. The strategy commits to improving water efficiency by at least 10% across the EU by 2030. The Commission is developing a unified method to measure progress toward these targets. Member states are encouraged to set national objectives based on their specific water conditions and needs.
Framework Established for Water Resilience Initiatives
The platform responds to a 2026 call for experts in water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms following rules set by the Commission. They will help develop a three-year work plan, which the platform will review annually. The framework includes two meetings each year in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is scheduled.
Digital water management is a key agenda item. In May, the Commission called for evidence on an EU action plan for digital water management. The initiative covers smart meters, sensors, data systems, and other tools that enhance infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. The Commission states smart meters can cut water use by up to 25%. Digital monitoring and leak detection are expected to yield additional savings.
European Water Academy Emphasizes Skills, Research and Innovation
Brussels also announced the creation of the European Water Academy. This initiative is part of the Water Resilience Strategy and is managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus is on developing skills, advancing research, fostering innovation, and facilitating technology transfer in the water sector. The launch event featured presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and efforts to cultivate a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 actions that the Commission monitors. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological standards. Meanwhile, 85% of bathing-water sites are rated as excellent. Over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now provides EU institutions, national authorities, and experts with a continuous forum for work on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.