BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating an official forum that brings together specialists, EU member states, and global observers. This platform aims to facilitate the rollout of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 experts from diverse sectors alongside representatives from member countries, with international organizations participating as observers. Their role is to contribute external insights on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience issues.
The platform is co-chaired by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. During the inaugural session, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas attended. The agenda included discussions on platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency initiatives. Throughout its term, the platform will be overseen by the three institutions, establishing a direct link to EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary goals for Europe by 2050. These include restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing safe, affordable water and sanitation. A key target set by the strategy is to boost water efficiency by at least 10% across the EU by 2030. While the Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states are encouraged to establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expert forum advances EU water policy development
The platform was launched following a spring 2026 call for experts in areas such as water governance, efficiency, financing, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms in accordance with the framework outlined by the Commission. They are tasked with helping to develop a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The terms of the platform stipulate two meetings annually in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation represents one of the platform’s initial priorities. In May, the Commission initiated a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan involves implementing data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission sources, smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, while digital systems and leak detection are expected to generate further savings.
European Water Academy broadens its focus on skills development
Brussels also marks the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday, an initiative that is a key part of the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre is responsible for coordinating this project, which concentrates on skills development, 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 professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. European 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 in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.