As Europe faces increasingly severe climate challenges, the imperative to build water resilience emerges not only as a matter of environmental urgency but also as a strategic investment in our future. Today, water resilience must be understood as the cornerstone of climate change adaptation. It encompasses the modernization of water infrastructure, the integration of smart technologies, and the sustainable management of water resources to protect ecosystems, support agriculture, and secure safe drinking water for communities across the EU. Many regions across Europe are already experiencing water shortages and droughts, underscoring the need to focus on strategies for “zadržet vodu v krajině” – retaining water in the landscape. These national experiences, whether in advanced irrigation techniques, wastewater treatment, or flood defense, provide invaluable lessons that can be scaled up across the European Union, creating a cohesive framework that not only addresses current vulnerabilities but also anticipates future challenges.
Central to this vision is the need to invest in technological advancements that boost competitive capabilities in water management. New digital solutions, such as real-time water monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and the application of artificial intelligence in resource optimization, are critical tools for enhancing water resilience. European industry has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this momentum should be leveraged to develop cutting-edge technologies that ensure sustainable water supply and environmental protection. By fostering collaboration between research institutions, private enterprises, and public authorities, the EU can transform its approach to water management into a model of innovation and efficiency. In this context, water resilience is not merely a defensive measure against the impacts of climate change—it becomes an engine for economic growth and technological leadership, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to a green and circular economy.
A critical challenge, however, lies in bridging the substantial investment gap and addressing the enormous infrastructure debt that plagues many European water systems. Recent studies, such as the Water Europe report, have estimated that Europe requires approximately €255 billion in water infrastructure investments by 2030 to safeguard its economy and environment. Yet, current annual investments average only around €45 billion, leaving a vast gap that must be urgently closed. Moreover, ageing infrastructure—often comprised of pipes and treatment facilities built several decades ago—has led to high leakage rates and inefficiencies, with some estimates suggesting that up to 25% of treated water is lost before reaching end users. Without a dramatic increase in the rate of investment, these vulnerabilities will continue to exacerbate water scarcity, environmental degradation, and mounting repair costs, further straining public finances and deepening infrastructure debt.
An innovative approach to funding is also essential to realize these ambitious goals. Traditional financing mechanisms alone cannot meet the scale of investment required to overhaul our water infrastructure and support nature protection and renovation projects. It is imperative that we mobilize both public and private capital to create a robust funding ecosystem. The integration of innovative financing instruments—such as green bonds, public–private partnerships, and blended finance mechanisms—will provide the necessary capital while sharing the risks and benefits among stakeholders. These financial instruments can be specifically tailored to the water sector, ensuring that funds are directed efficiently towards projects that enhance resilience, promote sustainability, and drive technological innovation. This dual approach of leveraging state resources alongside private investment not only secures the financial sustainability of these initiatives but also encourages market-driven innovation and accountability.
Moreover, water resilience should be framed within the broader context of EU blue diplomacy. As global water scarcity and climate-induced disruptions intensify, the EU is uniquely positioned to forge new international partnerships by exporting its technological solutions and water management expertise. The regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Africa, and South Asia are facing acute water challenges and stand to benefit enormously from innovative, European-led water solutions. By investing in research and development, the EU can develop tailor-made technologies that address the specific needs of these regions while simultaneously creating opportunities for economic collaboration and geopolitical engagement. EU blue diplomacy can serve as a catalyst for building strategic partnerships that enhance regional stability and foster sustainable development, reinforcing the EU’s role as a global leader in addressing climate change and resource scarcity.
In conclusion, the path forward for Europe must integrate the best practices of Member States, leverage our technological strengths, and embrace innovative financing to build a resilient water future. Water resilience is at the heart of our adaptation strategies against climate change and a critical pillar for sustainable growth. With coordinated action at both the national and EU levels—and by extending our cooperation beyond our borders through blue diplomacy—we can transform water management from a vulnerability into a strategic asset. The vision for a water-resilient Europe is not only environmentally essential; it is an economic and geopolitical imperative that promises to safeguard our societies and foster a more sustainable, prosperous future for all.
Tomáš Petříček, Ph.D.
Director, Progressive Analytical Centre o.p.s.
