BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission established 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 implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member states. External organizations will also take part as observers, contributing outside expertise to discussions centered on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and 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. The agenda for this meeting includes operational aspects of the platform, the EU water-sector digitalisation strategy, and water efficiency. These three bodies will oversee the platform throughout its term, establishing a direct connection between the forum, EU policy institutions, and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy establishes three primary goals for Europe extending to 2050. These include restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. An overarching EU objective is to boost water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets, with member states potentially setting their own goals based on national conditions.
Expert platform integrates water policy development within the EU
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, members were appointed for five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. They will contribute to the development of a three-year work plan, subject to annual review. The platform is scheduled to convene twice annually in Brussels, except in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools intended to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection capable of generating further savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development initiatives
The Brussels program also marks the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy and is coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus is on enhancing skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will feature presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the next generation of water experts.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses more than 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. Data indicate that only 37% of surface water bodies reach good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as having excellent quality. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is managed according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now serves as an ongoing forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.