More than 50 high-level experts from the EU's water sector gathered in Brussels on Monday for the first meeting of the new Stakeholder Platform for Water Resilience.
New platform and academy launched jointly
According to an announcement published on Monday by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, the platform was created jointly by the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Committee of the Regions. The European Water Academy also held its inaugural session on Monday afternoon.
The Commission said both initiatives form part of efforts to implement the EU Water Resilience Strategy. It noted that their launch comes just days after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new European Water Initiative in her State of the Union address.
Summer drought cited as backdrop
The Commission's announcement referenced this year's high temperatures and droughts, saying that changes to the water cycle are affecting both society and the economy. As examples, it cited farmers facing reduced water resources and energy producers scaling back output due to water shortages.
Focus on digitalisation, efficiency and reuse
The Commission said its aim is the effective and balanced implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy across the EU. It stated that meeting the bloc's water resilience targets by 2050 will require changes at every level, involving member states, cities and regions, businesses, academia, young people, civil society and financial institutions.
The new platform will bring together representatives from businesses and the water sector, civil society organisations, regional and local authorities, and member state governments. Its work will focus on selected priorities for strengthening water resilience, including digitalisation, efficient water use and ways to accelerate water reuse.
According to the Commission, the platform will help identify obstacles to implementing the strategy, propose practical solutions, and incorporate different public and sectoral interests into related actions.
Launched by three EU institutions
The platform was jointly launched by Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Séamus Boland, President of the EESC, and Carlos Moedas, Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions. The three institutions will jointly hold the platform's presidency for the duration of its mandate.
Ms Roswall said this summer's high temperatures and drought had underlined the importance of European water policy. She said the launch of the European Water Academy and the new platform aims to translate the strategy's goals into concrete actions and results.
Mr Boland said the EESC, through its "EU Blue Deal," has supported treating water as a strategic priority for Europe, describing the platform's creation as a step towards implementing that approach.
Mr Moedas said the Water Resilience Strategy must be translated into investment, innovation and action at local level, with a stronger role for cities and regions.
