BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, establishing an official forum that brings together water experts, EU member state representatives, and international observers. The initiative aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. The platform unites 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member nations. International organizations will participate as observers, contributing outside expertise on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience issues.
Co-chaired by the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission, and the European Committee of the Regions, the platform’s inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda for this meeting covered platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation strategy, and water efficiency initiatives. These three institutions will oversee the platform during its term, establishing a direct connection between the forum, EU policy agencies, and organized civil society groups.
The Water Resilience Strategy identifies three primary goals for Europe extending to 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. It also sets an EU-wide objective to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. To this end, the Commission is working on a unified approach for water-efficiency targets, while individual member states may determine their own benchmarks based on national circumstances.
Expert network shapes EU water policy agenda
This platform was established following a spring 2026 call for specialists in areas including water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Appointed for five-year terms, members are expected to assist in developing a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform is scheduled to convene twice annually in Brussels, with exceptions in years hosting a separate Water Resilience Forum.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial priority areas. In May, the Commission launched a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan covers the deployment of data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools aimed at enhancing infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission documents, smart meters alone can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems with leak detection capabilities can provide additional savings.
European Water Academy broadens focus on skills development
The Brussels initiative also marks the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy, coordinated 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 will feature presentations on the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses more than 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. Data from the EU indicate that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as having excellent quality. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a continuous forum for expert guidance on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.