Water Europe welcomes the updated EU industrial strategy released on the 5th of May, responding to the COVID-19 crisis and the twin green and digital transition.
The COVID-19 crisis has made evident that the European Union and its member states are not well prepared for cross-boundary and cross sectoral crises (see WE position). However, we regret that in this strategy water is taken for granted and no supporting measures to the National Resource Recovery Plans are included. Globally, 78% of jobs and 90% of the economy depend on enough water availability.
We therefore, hope that the European Commission will rectify this through the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive (see WE position) and other water-related legislation under revision. European industry consumes 30% of our water consumption, for 20% of our economic activities, employing 35 million people and accounting for 80% goods exports.
Read more for the updated EU industrial strategy.
