BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission inaugurated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels, creating an official space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. This platform aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It gathers 60 specialists from various sectors alongside representatives from member states, while international organizations participate as observers, contributing external expertise 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. Its launch event was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda for this initial meeting included discussions on platform management, the EU’s digitalisation plan for the water sector, and strategies to enhance water efficiency. Throughout its term, these three institutions will oversee the platform, establishing a direct link between the forum, EU policy frameworks, and organized civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary objectives for Europe by 2050, focusing on restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring the provision of safe and affordable water and sanitation. A key target is to improve water efficiency by at least 10% across the EU by 2030. While the Commission is formulating a unified methodology to set water-efficiency targets, member states retain the option to establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expert Contributions Shape EU Water Policy
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, financing, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform’s members were appointed to five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. These members are expected to help design a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform is scheduled to meet twice annually in Brussels, with exceptions in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum convenes.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial focus areas, with the Commission initiating a call for evidence in May concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other technological tools designed to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission reports, smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems along with leak detection are expected to generate further savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Skills Development Initiatives
The Brussels program also saw the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday, a flagship project under the Water Resilience Strategy, coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus is on developing skills, advancing research, fostering innovation, and facilitating technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations introducing the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
Within the broader framework of the Water Resilience Strategy, more than 50 key actions are being monitored by the European Commission. Data indicates that only 37% of surface water bodies currently attain good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are rated as excellent. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is managed in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum where experts can provide ongoing advice on water protection, efficiency, investments, digitalisation, and access to clean water.