BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, establishing an official arena for specialists, EU countries, and international observers to collaborate. The initiative aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 experts from diverse sectors along with representatives from member states, while international organizations participate as observers, contributing external insights to dialogues on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is co-chaired by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and European Committee of the Regions. Its inaugural session was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions focused on platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency. Overseeing the platform’s activities throughout its mandate, these three institutions connect it directly with EU policy bodies and organized civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three principal objectives for Europe extending to 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. It also establishes a target for the EU to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission is creating a joint methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states may establish their own benchmarks based on national circumstances.
Expert engagement advances EU water policies
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform was formed. Appointed for five-year terms under the framework outlined by the Commission, members are expected to help craft a three-year work plan that will be reviewed annually. The platform’s mandates include hosting two meetings annually in Brussels, unless a separate Water Resilience Forum occurs during that year.
Digitalisation ranks among the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission launched a call for evidence on an EU action plan for digital water management, which encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools designed to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission data, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, with digital systems and leak detection offering further savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development
Brussels also marks the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday, a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre manages the academy, which emphasizes skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. Its launch event features presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the Commission. Data reveals that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, 85% of bathing-water sites are of excellent quality, and more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and ensuring access to clean water.