BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, bringing together experts, EU governments and international observers. The new forum supports the European Water Resilience Strategy, which the Commission adopted in June 2025. It includes 60 experts from a range of sectors and representatives from member states. International organisations may join as observers, giving the platform a broader base for discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency and resilience.
The European Commission shares leadership of the platform with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall joined the opening session with EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The first meeting focuses on the platform’s working arrangements, water efficiency and the EU plan for digital water management. The three institutions will guide the forum during its mandate.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy sets three long-term priorities. It calls for restoring and protecting the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy and securing safe, affordable water and sanitation. The strategy also sets an EU-wide goal to improve water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is preparing a common method for measuring those targets. Member states may also establish national targets that reflect their own water conditions and needs.
Platform sets framework for water resilience work
The platform follows a 2026 call for specialists in fields including water governance, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills and preparedness. Members serve five-year terms under rules established by the Commission. They will contribute to a three-year work programme that the platform will review each year. The framework provides for two meetings annually in Brussels, except in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum takes place.
Digital water management is among the first subjects on the platform’s agenda. The Commission opened a call for evidence in May on an EU action plan for digital water management. The work covers smart meters, sensors, data systems and other tools used to improve infrastructure oversight and water efficiency. Commission material says smart meters can reduce water use by up to 25%. It also points to further savings from digital monitoring and leak detection.
European Water Academy adds research and skills focus
The Brussels programme also includes the launch of the European Water Academy. The academy forms part of the Water Resilience Strategy and is coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its work focuses on skills, research, innovation and technology transfer across the water sector. The launch programme includes presentations on the academy, its first EUWA Champions and the development of a new generation of water professionals across Europe.
The wider Water Resilience Strategy contains more than 50 actions monitored by the Commission. EU data show that only 37% of surface water bodies reach good ecological status. The same data show that 85% of bathing-water sites have excellent quality. More than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in line with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now gives EU institutions, national authorities and specialists a standing forum for work on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation and access to clean water.