BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, providing an official space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The platform aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It convenes 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member countries. Observers from international organizations will also take part, contributing external insights on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience issues.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. The inaugural 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, digital initiatives for the EU water sector, and water efficiency strategies. These three institutions will oversee the platform during its term, ensuring a direct link between the forum, EU policy bodies, and organized civil society.
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. The strategy sets a target for the EU to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states retain the option to establish their own goals based on national conditions.
Expert Collaboration Enhances EU Water Policy
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas like water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, members were appointed with five-year terms in accordance with the framework established by the Commission. They are tasked with helping to develop a three-year work plan that will be subject to annual reviews. The platform’s mandate includes two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum takes place in a given year.
Digitalisation constitutes one of the platform’s initial priority areas. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan emphasizes data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other technological tools meant to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission documents, smart meters alone could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection offering further potential savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Skills Development
The Brussels initiative also marks the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy, coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus lies on developing skills, advancing research, fostering innovation, and promoting technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will feature presentations on the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the next generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 critical 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, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum, offering expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.