Water resilience is a fundamental pillar of Europe’s sustainable future, ensuring stable access to clean water for households, agriculture, and industry. Given increasing climate risks, aging infrastructure, and growing urbanization, a comprehensive European Water Resilience Strategy (EWRS) is essential. This report reflects the discussion and key takeaways from the roundtable Towards a European Water Resilience Strategy, held in the European Parliament on 26th March 2025.
Key Challenges and Investment Needs
- Aging Infrastructure
Many European water systems are outdated, leading to inefficiencies, water loss, and supply vulnerabilities. Strategic investments are required to modernize infrastructure across water purification, distribution, and wastewater treatment.
- Climate and Environmental Risks
Droughts, floods, and pollution threaten water security. A resilient strategy must integrate climate adaptation measures, including ecosystem-based solutions for water retention and protection.
- Nature Protection and Sustainable Water Management
Protecting natural water sources and investing in sustainable water cycle management are crucial for long-term resilience.
- Socially Inclusive Water Policies
Access to water is a fundamental right. Any strategy must ensure that water remains affordable for all citizens, preventing inequalities that could undermine social cohesion.
Policy Recommendations
- Increased EU Investment
Establish dedicated funding for water infrastructure modernization and climate adaptation projects.
- Innovation in Water Management
Promote smart technologies, circular water use, and nature-based solutions to enhance efficiency.
- Stronger Regulatory Frameworks
Align national policies with EU water resilience goals to ensure coordinated efforts.
- Public-Private Partnerships
Leverage private sector involvement in infrastructure development while maintaining public access and affordability safeguards.
- New Financing Mechanisms
Develop and implement innovative financing models to support investments in water infrastructure and nature protection/restoration, ensuring sustainable and resilient water management.
- Long-Term Investment Strategies
Facilitate stable financing for large-scale water infrastructure projects by leveraging financial mechanisms such as bonds, especially green and sustainability bonds, which help fund projects with long payback periods while delivering significant environmental and social benefits.
Water resilience must be at the core of the EU’s climate adaptation and social policy agendas. By ensuring sustainable investments, protecting ecosystems, and guaranteeing fair access, Europe can strengthen its water security for future generations.
The recommendations presented here are based on the insights shared during the debate and represent the views of the Progressive Analytical Centre o.p.s.
Download pdf PAC – Towards a European Water Resilience (final)
jako student Institutu mezinárodních studií na FSV UK a Ústavu řeckých a latinských studií FF UK, se zaměřuje na politiku Středomořských států a jejich vazbami na Českou republiku. Společně se s tímto tématem věnuje i lokálním politikám ve středomořském regionu a vztahům jihoevropských států se severní Afrikou a Blízkým Východem v rámci EU GlobalGateway.