BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission announced the creation of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, establishing an official forum for experts, EU member states, and international observers. The initiative aims to facilitate the rollout of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. The platform unites 60 specialists from diverse sectors, along with representatives from member states. External organizations will also participate as observers, contributing expertise to discussions surrounding water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
Co-chaired by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions, the platform’s inaugural session was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions covered the operational aspects of the platform, the EU digitalisation plan for the water sector, and water efficiency initiatives. These three institutions will supervise the platform throughout its term. This structure links the forum directly with EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary goals for Europe through 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing safe and affordable water and sanitation. A key target is to boost water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, while member states may establish their own goals based on their specific national circumstances.
Expert Forum Integrates Water Policy into EU Strategy
Following a spring 2026 call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform now has members appointed for five-year terms according to the Commission’s framework. These members are expected to contribute to the development of a three-year work plan that will be reviewed annually. The platform’s schedule includes two meetings annually in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation represents one of the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other digital tools intended to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. The Commission states that smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection offering additional cost savings.
European Water Academy Broadens Skills Development Initiatives
The Brussels program also features the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. This initiative is a key component of the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, it emphasizes skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event will include presentations about the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. Data shows that only 37% of surface water bodies reach good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are of excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in compliance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now serves as a continuous forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investments, digitalisation, and access to clean water.