The official launch of the 2025 Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union marks a pivotal moment for the European water sector. With Denmark, a recognized global leader in water technology and sustainable resource management, at the helm, the next six months are poised to significantly accelerate the EU’s agenda on water resilience, circularity, and technological innovation.
The Presidency arrives at a critical juncture as the EU finalizes and begins implementation of key water legislation. Denmark’s proven track record in turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities provides a powerful and credible blueprint for the entire Union. The country’s leadership is expected to bring a pragmatic, yet highly ambitious, approach to the EU’s water policy files.
Key areas of impact are anticipated to be:
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Ambitious Implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD): Denmark is a pioneer in energy-neutral and even energy-positive wastewater treatment. This hands-on experience will be instrumental in guiding member states towards achieving the UWWTD’s ambitious new targets, including mandatory energy neutrality and the removal of micropollutants.
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Shaping a Robust Water Resilience Initiative: As the European Commission prepares its landmark Water Resilience Initiative, the Danish Presidency is perfectly positioned to champion innovative, data-driven solutions for managing water scarcity, droughts, and floods. Their expertise in smart water grids, digitalization, and non-revenue water reduction will be crucial in shaping a resilient water future for Europe.
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Driving Digital and Green Transitions: The Danish water model is built on digitalization and close public-private partnerships. The Presidency is expected to promote the wider adoption of digital twins, AI, and advanced sensor technology as essential tools for optimizing water systems, ensuring compliance, and fostering a competitive European water technology market.
Over the next six months, stakeholders across the European water community will be looking to the Danish Presidency to foster collaboration, champion effective policy, and steer the EU towards a secure and sustainable water future. The focus will be on practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across the diverse regions of the Union.
