BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission inaugurated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, 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, finalized in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists across various sectors alongside representatives from member countries. Observers from international organizations will also participate, contributing external expertise to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly managed 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 included platform governance, the EU water-sector digitalization plan, and water efficiency initiatives. These three institutions will supervise the platform throughout its term, establishing a direct link between the forum, EU policy bodies, and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe extending to 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring accessible, safe, and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy aspires for the EU to boost water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets, allowing member states to set personalized goals based on their national contexts.
Expert Platform Shapes EU Water Policy Agenda
Following a call for specialists issued in spring 2026, the platform now includes experts in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalization, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. These members are appointed for five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. They are tasked with developing a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform is scheduled for two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum is held during that year.
Digitalization emerges as a key focus area for the platform’s initial efforts. In May, the Commission launched a consultation on an EU action plan for digital water management, which encompasses data systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools aimed at improving infrastructure management and water efficiency. The Commission states that smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection offering further savings.
European Water Academy Expands Training and Innovation Efforts
Brussels will also witness the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday, an initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the academy emphasizes skills development, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event includes presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The comprehensive Water Resilience Strategy comprises more than 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are rated excellent. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalization, and ensuring access to clean water.