BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating an official venue for specialists, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The initiative aims to facilitate the rollout of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. Bringing together 60 experts from various sectors along with representatives from member countries, the platform will also include participation from international organisations acting as observers. This external input will enrich discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is co-led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and the 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. The agenda for the meeting covered platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation strategy, and water efficiency initiatives. Throughout its mandate, the three institutions will oversee the platform, which maintains a direct connection to EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The European Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary objectives for Europe by 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. The strategy also sets a regional goal to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the European Commission is working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states have the flexibility to establish their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expert platform influences EU water policy development
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in areas such as water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform now involves members with five-year terms as outlined by the Commission. These members are anticipated to assist in formulating a three-year work plan, which will be subject to annual review. The platform is scheduled to convene twice yearly in Brussels, with exceptions during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation ranks among the platform’s initial priorities. In May, the European Commission issued a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan involves data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other innovative tools designed to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters alone could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, while digital systems and leak detection technologies are expected to generate additional savings.
European Water Academy expands focus on skills and innovation
Later on Monday, the Brussels program also marked the launch of the European Water Academy, a key initiative under 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 included 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 tracked by the European Commission. EU data indicate that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, but 85% of bathing-water sites are classified as having excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is processed in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now offers a continual forum for expert guidance on water protection, efficiency improvements, investments, digitalisation, and ensuring access to clean water.