The EC published the Call for Proposals 2021 of the Partnership for sustainable cities

The European Commission has recently published the Call for Proposals of the Partnership for sustainable cities with te objective to promote integrated urban development through partnerships built among local authorities of the EU Member States and of partner countries.

This call represents a good contribution amid the new EU political priorities, promoting good governance, “Green Deal”, growth, job creation and digitalisation. More specifically, it aims at strengthening urban governance, ensuring social inclusiveness of cities, improving resilience and greening of cities and improving. prosperity and innovation in cities. The guidelines of the call can be found on the EuropeAid w​ebsite.

List of activities that may be financed includes: Pilot projects on basic services and network infrastructures, i.e. water, sanitation, waste (including recycling), energy (including efficiency) and public transport, Improving the quality of air in the cities and management of water and solid waste, Pilot projects to support the design and implementation of new environmental and climate-resilient local public policies in line with the EU green deal.

The deadline for the submission of concept notes is 23/04/2021 at 16:00 (Brussels time). Questions shall be redirected to intpa-171273@ec.europa.eu, no later than 21 days before the deadline.

MEP Water Group Online Event: Valuing water – The United Nations World Water Development Report 2021

The MEP Water Group in collaboration with UNESCO are organising a public online event dedicated to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2021 on the 26th of March from 12:30 to 14:00.

The 2021 World Water Development Report titled “Valuing Water” assesses the current status of and challenges to the valuation of water across differing sectors and perspectives and identifies ways in which valuation can be promoted as a tool help achieve sustainability. Check the full agenda and register for the event here. 

Exclusive Interview with João Pedro Matos Fernandes, Portuguese Minister for Environment and Climate Action

The Portuguese Presidency’s motto is ‘For a fair, green and digital recovery’. How are you going to achieve this? What are your main priorities and what is the role of water in realising them?

The Portuguese presidency will make all the effort to operationalize the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027, to allow the implementation of the innovative set of tools that will make Europe’s recovery and resilience possible. The recovery must be sustainable and innovative. To this end, we will prioritize the European Green Deal implementation and the commitments to reduce carbon emissions in the fight against climate change, and strengthening the energy transition, sustainable mobility, and the blue (ocean) economy.

The Portuguese presidency will work to accelerate the technological transition and promote European leadership in the digital economy and in the area of data and connectivity based on ethical values.

To achieve the Water-Smart Society, a society in which the true value of water is recognised and realised, we need a cross-sectoral approach. How do you see the Portuguese Presidency contributing to this?

Water is a vital, scarce, strategic and structuring resource, so it is essential that its use is guided by principles of sustainability and efficiency. Water efficiency has the central purpose of optimizing the consumption of the water resource, ensuring that with the use of the smallest amount possible, it is possible to carry out the task or process, effectively produce the good or provide the service.

Water management activity should focus on ensuring quality and water availability, promoting sustained economic growth, making cities more resilient, promoting sustainable use of ecosystems and ensuring adaptation to climate change.

We are aware of the need for realism and moderation in the face of the impact of the pandemic by COVID‑19. But the expectations around Next Generation Europe and the next Framework Programme with the increased allocation of funds for the Green New Deal objectives are high.

We need to be effective in the use of these resources. We need to ensure effectiveness in physical accessibility, quality, continuity, resilience and security (e.g. adaptation to climate change, droughts, floods and other challenges) and affordability and equity of water services. We need to ensure the efficiency of these services: because they must ensure organisational efficiency of the sector with economies of scale, range and process, organisational, water, energy and in the use of financial resources of the services. We have to ensure sustainability: economically and financially, the infrastructural sustainability of the services and asset management, the safe use of the services’ natural resources, the adequacy and renewal of the services’ human capital and its skills, and the modernisation, innovation and digital transition of the services. And these objectives converge for the circular vision of the water sector, because it is also through them that we will be able to enhance the environment and the territory, ensuring adequate protection, efficient use of water, diversification of sources, energy transition and decarbonisation, enhance the economy, ensuring synergies and symbioses between different sectors (agriculture, industry, tourism), with business development in the internal and external market and systemic innovation of services and products, enhance society, not only through the professionals who operate in it and the perception of their value by society, but also through the responsibility of each entity, through transparency.

The Portuguese EU Presidency has placed Climate Change action at the centre of this semester´s discussions as the EGD policy and regulatory packages are well underway. The European climate law is already at trialogue-level negotiations, and the Commission presented in February the New EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate. Climate change adaptation will feature in several Presidency initiatives, such as a High-Level conference in February, and discussions at the EU Environmental Council, including the objective of adopting council conclusions at the June Environmental Council. In addition, the Informal meeting of Environmental ministers in April will be dedicated to adaptation, focusing on water challenges in the context of climate adaptation.

Following the most successful, German-led water and adaptation conference in late 2020 and the release of the New EU Adaptation Strategy, water management, and climate adaptation are increasingly seen as mutually interconnected and requiring renewed focus in EU – and national – policymaking. Indeed, water management clearly needs to improve in the EU through increased investment in water use efficiency, in treatment, reuse and/ or recirculation solutions, as well as in the restoration of ecosystems and natural habitats. Climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, will only exacerbate the need to improve water management, especially given the fact that water scarcity and even drought are projected to affect a growing number of member states in the future.

Across Europe, spatial and water management (and all its implications in other sectors, be it biodiversity, forestry, health, etc.) are central to climate adaptation. We also believe that adaptation fits very well with the concept of nature-based solutions.

Areas that deserve our attention are EU’s vulnerability to water scarcity and drought; water efficiency and management in sustainable buildings and water pricing and financing.

In the last twenty years, droughts have occurred with an increased frequency and duration in several parts of Europe and water scarcity is also increasing across the European continent, i.e. the long-term imbalance resulting from water demand exceeding available water resources is no longer uncommon and limited to the Southern Member States. Consequently, Member States that typically have less water severe conditions are now concerned with the declining water table levels in some of their groundwater resources. As it was seen in the recent Germany and trio EU presidencies conference, increasing pressure on water resources cannot only be addressed with incremental adaptation of water management. In many locations and sectors – such as agriculture – it will need a more systemic and transformational change in the way water is managed. Water planning requires a cooperation and involvement of key sectors, namely those that abstract, consume and discharge water (both surface and ground water). So, articulation between sectoral strategies, agriculture, energy, transport and the protection of water resources is determinant to have a sustainable water management and to respect the no-harm principle. The main challenge of decreasing water availability lies in enhancing resilience to climate change through the most accurate modeling, that will lead to the best forecast and preparedness and planning – which means the need for a more informed water planning and management on climate risks. The water framework directive (WFD) has as one of its purposes contributing to floods and droughts mitigation. Water scarcity and drought management plans are not even widespread despite their increased and manifest need in many countries and regions. Most frequent measures adopted in large parts of Europe are “reactive” or “preventive” measures. “Adaptive” measures are still largely absent, although they assist an ecosystem to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to seize opportunities and/or to cope with the consequences. It is therefore important to develop a common implementation to face droughts and scarcity in the context of climate change, which in the future ensures resilience to climate change in the future and allows the achievement of the WFD objectives.

There are relevant issues to be addressed, namely to increase coherence and ambition across relevant EU policies, strategies, and initiatives that affect climate-resilient water management and offer opportunities for synergies, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), the Urban Agenda for the EU,  the Forest Strategy and the initiatives announced in the European Green Deal, in particular, the new EU Adaptation Strategy, but also the Biodiversity Strategy, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Renovation Wave Strategy and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Europe spatial planning and water management and all its implications in biodiversity, forestry, health, economics sectors, among others are central to climate change adaptation.

In what concerns water efficiency and management in sustainable buildings, we need to address issues like sustainable approaches to help prevent global warming and climate change due to the significant building’s sector energy consumption, that leads to a high amount of greenhouse gases emissions; to encourage consumers and the construction business sector to adopt water efficiency solutions and measures, such as the use of alternative water sources (e.g. rainwater, greywater) and leak detection and communication; to promote the use of water-saving technologies and products, which represent technically effective, economically affordable and flexible options; to implement a qualification framework and certification scheme at the European level, for training and skills upgrading of construction and green professionals on water efficiency and water-energy nexus for building construction and retrofitting.

Regarding water pricing and financing, we must work to provide additional guidance and good-practice examples of innovative water allocation mechanisms, to support Member States in their efforts to change or develop rules for water allocation and to implement ecological flows; to establish pricing policies, in accordance with Article 9 of the WFD, to stimulate the efficient use of water; to establish a methodology to implement cost recovery – including the polluter pays principle – consistently across the EU for all water-use activities that have a significant impact on water bodies, including impoundments, abstractions, storage, treatment and distribution of surface waters, and collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater; to promote adaptive solutions with multiple benefits, especially nature-based solutions, through attractive funding opportunities, including grants, tailored loans and investments.

Which actions do you consider necessary for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and how are you going to support the way towards this direction?

In December 2019, the Fitness Check of the Water Framework Directive, its associated Directives, and the Floods Directive, conducted by the European Commission, concluded that water legislation is overall fit for purpose, with some room for enhanced effectiveness, namely related to investments, implementation, integrating water into other policies, chemical pollution, administrative simplification and digitalisation.

The Directives have led to a higher level of protection for water bodies and flood risk management than could have been expected without them. The factors identified to contribute to the effectiveness of the Directive was:

• List of priority substances;
• Cross-references to the WFD’s objectives in other EU policies;
• EU funding;
• Non-deterioration principle; and
• Directives’ monitoring requirements.

Despite the success of ongoing improvements to the protection of water bodies and flood risk management, we are far away from the goals defined. In 2015 only 43% of the European water bodies had achieved the good status. Good status depends on the implementation of mitigation measures to address current pressures; the implementation of restoration measures to address pressures from the past, such as hydro-morphological changes and chemical pollution; the full implementation of other EU legislation, such as the Nitrates Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive; the integration of water objectives in other policy areas with a heavy impact on water, such as agriculture, energy or transport.

This has not yet happened with the necessary speed and intensity. Difficulties in financing measures by different countries and, above all, assimilation by sector plans and strategies of the WFD objectives, are the main reasons for having a low percentage of water bodies with good status. We must increase the efforts using the instruments provide by the Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and A Farm to Fork Strategy, and the financial budget associated to the recovery and resilience mechanism.

With the crises of climate change and environmental degradation is now more relevant than ever before to implement the Water Framework Directive, its associated Directives, and Floods Directive. Also, a common implementation to face scarcity and droughts in the context of climate change, which in the future ensures climate resilience and allows the achievement of the WFD objectives, is needed.

The next planning cycle the programmes of measures will have an important role to make a progress towards achieving the environmental objectives by the 2027 for a greater percentage of water bodies. Currently more than half of all European water bodies are under exemptions, the challenges for Member States are more than substantial, and we must have a strategy in order to promote the good status. After 2027, the possibilities for exemptions are reduced, as time extensions under Article 4(4) can only be authorised in cases where all the measures have been put in place but the natural conditions are such that the objectives cannot be achieved by 2027. We will continue to work with the Commission in order to improve implementation of the Directives at the lowest possible cost, e.g. by sharing best practices on cost recovery, reduction of pollutants at source, green infrastructure and others, and also to prepare the future water planning cycles always with the prospect of always improving, by demonstrating that the best available techniques are implemented to improve the state of the water bodies. To this end, it is also essential that sector incentives and plans are based on this concern and objective.

The Portuguese Presidency will contribute to increasing EU-wide implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive (FD), and to improve synergies with the marine strategy, the common agricultural policy and other sectoral policies. We will promote an integrated and cross-sectoral approach to cross-border water management, resilient to climate change effects, promoting sustainable water use and improving flood risk management strategies, such as timely and reliable exchange of data and warnings.

The European Green Deal is a major goal for the European Union. What do you consider as the strongest tools of the European Union in its effort to reach this goal?

The European Green Deal goals are transforming the EU’s Economy for a sustainable future. All the work that has been done on the implementation of community directives is the basis for achieving the objectives defined in the Green Deal.

As we’ve seen in the recent Germany and trio EU presidencies conference, increasing pressure on water resources cannot only be addressed with incremental adaptation of water management. In many locations on many themes – such as agriculture – we’ll need more systemic, disruptive and transformational change in the way water is managed.

In our view, it is important to increase coherence and ambition across relevant EU policies, strategies, and initiatives that affect climate-resilient water management and offer opportunities for synergies, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), the Urban Agenda for the EU, the Forest Strategy or initiatives announced in the European Green Deal, such as e.g. the Biodiversity Strategy and the Circular Economy Action Plan. And to promote appropriate adaptation financing, effective climate services and increased cross-border and international cooperation.

The Portuguese Presidency congratulates the Commission for the efforts put in the development of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, given its recognized high priority in the current context, as a part of the EU’s zero pollution ambition, which is a key commitment of the European Green Deal, and globally welcomes the Commission’s proposals aiming at better protect the citizens and the environment while providing impetus innovation for safe and sustainable chemicals and boosting competitiveness.

We believe that an efficient and challenging implementation of this Strategy will certainly contribute to a toxic-free Environment and intends to make every effort to also contribute to its success.

In this context, we acknowledge the essential role to be played by the Commission in the accomplishment of the objectives and in the promotion of the identified actions as presented in the Strategy, as well as the important contribution of every involved parties, the Member-states and the Industry in the scope of the transition process.

The Portuguese Presidency took over this file as a priority and is fully engaged on the preparation of balanced and concise Council Conclusions to be adopted in March’s Council. These are aimed at expressing the political support and commitments to this ambitious Strategy, and at providing political guidance towards its implementation, as now it’s “Time to deliver: a fair, green and digital recovery”.

‘New Water Europe position paper’ Sewage Sludge Directive: An opportunity to fully exploit the value in water

On the 5^th of March, the European Commission will close its public consultation on the evaluation of the Sewage Sludge Directive (SSD). Water Europe is glad to contribute to this discussion with its new position paper “Unlock the potential of the sewage sludge directive through the full exploitation of the value in water for a green and sustainable Europe”.

The SSD has performed well in its objective to encourage the safe use of sludge, while complying with high environmental standards and providing beneficial side effects, such as improving effluent and water quality, soil organic matter and water retention. However, thirty years since its inception, new challenges have arisen that the Directive is not fit to address, namely contaminants of emerging concern, digitalisation and circular economy.

WE welcomes the conclusion of the European Commission to update the SSD aligning it with the Green Deal and the digitalisation of Europe to address today’s challenges. A well-designed revised Directive must be cohesive and coherent with the EU’s current sustainability objectives, and particularly with the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Zero-Pollution, the Pharmaceutical and Farm2Fork strategies. Therefore, WE suggests a holistic management of sewage treatment that achieves the following objectives:

• Fully exploit the value in water beyond agricultural use.
• Digitalisation for efficiency and fast response
• Update the SSD on specific measures to address contaminants of emerging concern

Circularity in sewage sludge management can have multiple benefits especially in the context of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the new EU Soil Strategy. Sewage sludge can indeed be used in agriculture after appropriate treatment. In this respect, WE is currently preparing its response to the public consultation on the new Soil Strategy.

For more information, please download the full position paper here.

HYDROUSA project launches new series of webinars

How can we develop long term – low carbon solutions, to address water-stress in the Mediterranean regions? How can we move towards a sustainable circular future?

HYDROUSA project launches a series of webinars focusing on applications to each Mediterranean region that will start at the beginning of March and continue through May.

HYDROUSA 2021 webinar series is designed by a community of water allies to introduce the mission towards a viable scenario of a circular economy. Among the topics addressed will be the challenges of water supply, wastewater and biodiversity loss – by extracting water from unconventional sources utilising state-of-the-art and nature-based technological innovations. The online sessions will include an induction to the project of HYDROUSA, its theoretical approach, methodologies & actions, backed up by interactive slots with questions on the distinct on-site applications, & collective mapping of the webinar’s outcomes & future steps.

On the 4^th of March, the 1st webinar of the series will revolve around HYDROUSA applications of the island of Mykonos, where a residential rainwater harvesting & a subsurface rainwater harvesting system are installed. We will discuss thoroughly the progress of the works, the challenges faced and the solutions presented by the selected systems.

Learn more about Hydrousa webinars and the project’s progress.

Innovation in the water sector is a lot less about technologies than what many people think’ says Chrysi Laspidou, Water Europe Vice-President for Technology & Innovation

After your election as the Vice-President for Technology and Innovation of Water Europe, could you tell us a few words on how you see this new role?

I am thrilled to be the VP for Technology and Innovation! Water Europe is an organization that I have been involved in for many years now, starting as an active member in various Working Groups, advancing as a co-leader of one of the Vision Leadership Teams and then becoming a member of the Board and now member of the ExCom! I have all this valuable bottom-up experience and I plan to use to make sure that members operate, collaborate and network in the best way possible.

What are your Water Europe priorities and what activities you foresee for their implementation?

I have three priorities: Working Groups, Working Groups, Working Groups! Working Groups are the beating heart of Water Europe—it’s where members come together, collaborate and network and reap the benefits of this fabulous organization. They are the motor behind evidence-based input for policy positions, so I see my role as making sure they operate well, they have a solid leadership, they stay productive and they renew and reinvent themselves, following the new developments and interests of the market and the research and policy community.

Your role is connected with the Collaboration Programme of Water Europe. Could you tell us how you envision the strengthening of this programme at Wate Europe?

My role is to ensure that the horizontal Vision Leadership Teams (hVLTs) have good correspondence and collaboration with the Working Groups. The hVLTs is where there is cross-WG collaboration under a unifying theme, creating synergies and making bigger impact towards the Water Europe vision for a water-smart society. On the other hand, the Water Oriented Living Labs (WoLLs) are the entities that can bring academics, industries, policy-makers and citizens together as a quadruple helix, actually implementing that vision and their alignment with the vertical Vision Leadership Teams (vVLTs) is very important. My priority is to strengthen the collaboration matrix and optimize its operation, in order to bring it to the next level of performance.

Innovation in the water sector is not only about technologies. How do you think we can make the social innovation perspective more visible in the sector?

Actually, I tend to think that innovation in the water sector is a lot less about technologies than what many people think. It is a lot more about people coming from different sectors and perspectives, being able to sit together around the same table, identifying conflicting interests and the benefits of synergies and starting to shape a common vision. This sounds easier than it actually is! People still embrace silo thinking, are unwilling to change and resist collaborations, compromises and fresh ideas. The WoLLs play an important role here, since they are the entities designed to bring all stakeholders together. My goal is to have the WoLLs recognized as the basic “structure” where social innovation can take place, bringing people together and enhancing collaborations and a common vision. All this, with ample participation by women and young professionals, as I see gender and age diversity as an issue of utmost importance, when it comes to achieving our Vision.

EU adopts new strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change

The European Commission adopted yesterday a new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, setting out the pathway to prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

From deadly heatwaves and devastating droughts, to decimated forests and coastlines eroded by rising sea levels, climate change is already taking its toll in Europe and worldwide. Building on the 2013 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the aim of the EC’s proposals is to shift the focus from understanding the problem to developing solutions, and to move from planning to implementation.

Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reminder that insufficient preparation can have dire consequences. There is no vaccine against the climate crisis, but we can still fight it and prepare for its unavoidable effects. The impacts of climate change are already felt both inside and outside the European Union. The new climate adaptation strategy equips us to speed up and deepen preparations. If we get ready today, we can still build a climate-resilient tomorrow.”

Economic losses from more frequent climate-related extreme weather are increasing. In the EU, these losses alone already average over €12 billion per year. Conservative estimates show that exposing today’s EU economy to global warming of 3°C above pre-industrial levels would result in an annual loss of at least €170 billion.

The action on climate change adaptation must involve all parts of society and all levels of governance, inside and outside the EU.  A climate resilient society can be built by improving knowledge of climate impacts and adaptation solutions; by stepping up adaptation planning and climate risk assessments; by accelerating adaptation action; and by helping to strengthen climate resilience globally.

Read here the full press release.

The European Commission approved the renewed package of six Executive Agencies for 2021-2027

The European Commission with the Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/173 of 12 February 2021 has established six executive agencies that will assist in the implementation of the European Union programmes in the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), among others the European FP for R&I Horizon Europe, and in addition support the running Horizon 2020 projects.

The Commission has decided to adapt the existing executive agencies and to create the new European Health and Digital Executive Agency for the new generation of EU programs The portfolio of some agencies has been substantially adjusted, such as in the case of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (formerly INEA) in line with the achievement of the goals of the EU Green Deal.

The following five agencies are established from 1 April 2021 until 31 December 2028:

1. European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, (CINEA, former INEA): will follow up HEU pillar II cluster 5 (Climate, energy and mobility) and the LIFE program.
2. European Research Executive Agency (EREA, former REA): will follow up on the Horizon Europe pillar I Marie Curie Actions and research infrastructures, pillar II cluster 2 (culture, creativity and inclusive society), cluster 3 (Civil security for society), and cluster 6 (Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment), and the horizontal programmes (Reforming and enhancing the European R&I system and Spreading excellence and widening participation).
3. European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (former EASME): will follow-up on the Horizon Europe pillar III European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystems
4. European Education and Culture Executive Agency (former EACEA): will follow up Creative Europe and Erasmus
5. European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA): will follow-up on the Horizon Europe pillar I European Research Council (ERC).

The new (sixth) European Health and Digital Executive Agency is established from 16 February 2021 until 31 December 2028. It will follow up, among others, the HEU pillar II cluster 1 (health) and cluster 4 (Digital, industry and space research), the EU4Health programme, the Digital Europe Programme, and the Connecting Europe Facility. DG SANTE is the lead parent DG of this new2 agency together with DG CNECT, DEFIS, GROW and RTD of this new agency. The total budget managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency will amount to over €20 billion over the 7 years period of the 2021-2027 MFF.

The Innovation and Network Executive Agency (INEA) will continue as CINEA: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency from April 1, 2021. CINEA will focus on creating new synergies for a sustainable, green and carbon-free Europe. In addition, CINEA will be involved in Horizon Europe’s climate, energy and mobility cluster and the LIFE program. CINEA will also continue to manage the implementation of the Innovation Fund, an important tool for achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050.

The portfolio of the European Research Executive Agency (formerly REA) is expanding with, among other things, the research program Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (formerly EASME) will also be given new themes and will be responsible for the European Innovation Council (EIC) and supporting SMEs. The portfolios of the European Education (and Culture) Executive Agency (EACEA) and the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA) are not changing.

The Executive Agency for Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food (CHAFEA) will be closed. Find below a quick overview of the renewed package of the six EC Executive Agencies:

The Executive Agencies, which are all based in Brussels, have a budget of about 123 billion to spend during this programming period. That is an increase of 60% compared to the previous period. Executive agencies are established for the duration of the funding program and are mainly concerned with implementing policies. The Agencies will also provide feedback to the Commission on the programs, support applicants for grants and create visibility for the programs.

WE&B is looking for an Environmental Systems Consultant in Barcelona or the surrounds

The company Water, Environment and Business for Development (WE&B) is looking for an Environmental Systems Consultant, preferably based in Barcelona or the surrounds to work for:

– Innovation, research and development sector projects.
– Projects financed by the European Commission, the World Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank amongst others.
– Larger project consortiums with international and multidisciplinary team.

WE&B is a consulting company focused on the Water and Environment sectors, offering services in Social and Business Innovation. Our globally experienced team participates in research projects to remain at the cutting edge of innovation while processing the skill and expertise to adapt to and enhance these innovations to bring them to our clients in the development sector. We focus our innovation in water and environment and our services related to those sectors are in social and business aspects.

To apply for this job position and know more about the offer, please visit the official web page.

EU Commissioner for Environment joins the upcoming MEP Water Group Event – February 24

The MEP Water Group is organising a public online event under the theme ‘Perspectives and Agenda for Water in the coming years’ on the 24th of February from 15:00 to 16:30. To register for the event, please click here. The agenda of the webinar will revolve around four main sessions:

– The role of water for the European environmental policy
– Perspectives for the water industry in the coming years
– Perspectives for research and innovation on water
– The role of the MEP Water Group in this legislature.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment will deliver a keynote speech, followed by a great panel of speakers:

– David Martin, ECOLAB Perspective for the water industry in the coming years.
– Peter Steen Mikkelsen, DTU, Perspectives for research and innovation on water.
– Ulrike MÜLLER, Member of the European Parliament – Renew Europe, Member of the Steering group, MEP Water Group.
– Pernille WEISS, Chair of the MEP Water Group The role of the MEP Water Group in this legislature. She will be moderating the event.