Continuing the momentum from recent discussions in Brussels with Juanma Moreno, President of the Junta de Andalucía, we met last week in Seville with Ramiro Angulo Sánchez, Secretary General of the Water Division at Andalucía’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery, Water, and Rural Development, and Darío Mauriño, Head of Cooperation, Funds, and Innovation at EMASESA Metropolitana, Seville’s public water services company.
The discussions centered on Andalucía’s strong commitment to water security, sustainability, and resilience. Mr. Angulo emphasized the critical need for timely investment in water security, stating:
“The cost of dealing with water crises – whether too much, too little, or too polluted water – far exceeds the investments needed to prevent them. Water security is not only key to the economic viability of our regions but also to the safety of Andalucía’s population.”
Mr. Mauriño highlighted that EMASESA Metropolitana’s strategy aligns closely with Water Europe’s vision for a Water-Smart Society and its innovation areas. He also raised the significant financial implications of implementing European water policies, particularly the new Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, with estimated costs exceeding €300 million. Innovative financing and European-level support will be essential to meet these challenges.
These discussions reaffirm the shared commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and water-smart future for Andalucía.
