On the 17th of July, 21 European ministers wrote to the European Commission to boost water security and resilience through a comprehensive approach.
Based on the European Environmental Agency’s recent reports, they acknowledge that water is one of the biggest threats for Europe, as countries are already experiencing the aftermath of water mismanagement. Thus, they ask Maroš Šefčovič to invest in R&D, cross-borders infrastructures, Nature-Based Solutions while promoting legislative coherence and facilitating citizens involvement in water-related topics.
In the meantime, in Strasbourg, France, Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected at the head of the European Commission. In her political guideline for 2024 – 2029, she declared the need for a European Strategy for Water Resilience, also calling for a proper management of water sources and addressing water scarcity while enhancing “the competitive innovative edge of our water industry”. She highlighted the necessity of data, protecting wetlands and stepping up the work to map the water-related challenges in both cities and rural areas.
Water Europe welcomes both these political announcements which go in the vein of its vision and manifesto for a Water-Smart Society in Europe.
Find the 21 Ministers’ letter here.
Find Ursula von der Leyen’s 2024 – 2029 Guidance here.
