BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission introduced 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 execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It gathers 60 specialists from various sectors alongside representatives from member countries. External expertise will be contributed by international organisations participating as observers, focusing on discussions related to water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly chaired by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and European Committee of the Regions. The inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Topics covered in the meeting include platform operations, the digitalisation plan for the EU water sector, and water efficiency initiatives. Throughout its term, the platform will be overseen by these three institutions, which link it directly to EU policy bodies and organized civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe through 2050, emphasizing the restoration and safeguarding of the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy sets an EU-wide target to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency goals, member states are encouraged to establish their own targets based on national circumstances.
Expert Input Shapes EU Water Policy via New Platform
Following a call for water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness specialists in spring 2026, the platform was formed. Members are appointed for five-year terms according to the framework established by the Commission. They will contribute to a three-year work plan that is reviewed annually. The platform is scheduled to meet twice a year in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum convenes.
Digitalisation quickly became one of the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission launched a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan involves data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools aimed at improving infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission reports, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems alongside leak detection can lead to further savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Focus on Skills Development
Brussels also saw the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday, as part of the Water Resilience Strategy’s flagship initiatives. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre leads the academy’s efforts, which concentrate on skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the next generation of water specialists.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 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 of excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as an ongoing forum to provide expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.