Raising the bar for the Water Framework Directive
Water Innovation Europe 2026 heads to Dublin on 13–14 October under the theme “Raising the Bar for the Water Framework Directive.” Water Europe’s flagship event will bring together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, innovators and researchers at a decisive moment for Europe’s water future. The event is held under the patronage of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Veolia , Grundfos and 20FIFTY Partners as official sponsors.
With the 2027 Water Framework Directive objectives approaching, the focus is shifting from ambition to implementation. How can Europe accelerate action, strengthen data-driven decision-making and turn water resilience into reality across sectors and regions? The programme will address four key challenges:
🔹Financing Europe’s water ambitions
Water is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset, yet investment remains far below what is needed. The discussion will explore how blue finance, public funding and private capital can better support water resilience and reduce long-term risks.
🔹Building resilience to water scarcity
Recurring droughts and rising demand are putting pressure on citizens, ecosystems, food production and economic activities. Sessions will examine water efficiency, reuse, cascading and alternative water sources as part of a more resilient and circular water mix.
🔹Making businesses more Water-Smart
Water-related risks are increasingly affecting production, supply chains and competitiveness. The debate will explore how companies can better manage water dependencies, accelerate investment and contribute to resilience beyond individual sites, including the potential of a “Water Efficiency First” principle.
🔹Using data to improve water management
Digital technologies, AI, real-time monitoring and interoperable systems are creating new opportunities to anticipate risks and improve decisions. Discussions will consider what a European architecture for water data interoperability could look like and how better information can support coordinated action across sectors and catchments.
All participants will be welcomed for their registation at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, 1 Le Pole Square, Ship Street Great, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Strategic Approach of the UN Water conference
🔹Anne Le Guennec, CEO Veolia Water Technologies – strategic perspective
Presentation of the EU Commission Action during the UN Water Conference
Q&A with the audience - moderated by Durk Krol, Executive Director, Water Europe representatives
Presentation of Institutional Actions
Other leading initiatives
🔹Loic Charpentier, Head of Advocacy, Water Europe – umbrella and R&I approach
Q&A with the audience - moderated by Durk Krol, Executive Director, Water Europe representatives
🔹Ilari Aho, President, Water Europe
🔹Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
🔹Fiona Felix, Head of Public Affairs, Hansgrohe & Vice-President Advocacy, Water Europe
🔹Anne Le Guennec, CEO of Veolia Water Technologies
Achieving the objectives of the Water Framework Directive will require investment at an unprecedented scale. While public funding remains essential, it will not be sufficient to bridge the gap alone. This session will explore the barriers preventing investment, the role of blue finance, and how public and private actors can work together to turn water resilience into an investable opportunity.
Introductory presentation: Sylwia Lyskawka, Director, Climate Future Institute
Discussion on Financing Europe’s Water Future
🔹Moderation: Magdalena Rzeczkowska, Vice President for European Affairs at the Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs (FPP) and leader of the Water and Finance Expert Group within Water Europe, Member of the EESC.
Panel Discussion:
🔹Edouard Perard, Head of Water Division, EIB
🔹Vylon Ooms, Senior Policy Advisor – Sustainability and Climate Coordinator, Dutch Association of Insurers
Recurring droughts and growing demand are turning water availability into a structural challenge for Europe. This session will explore how Europe can build a more resilient water mix, balance competing needs and make circular water management a structural response to water scarcity.
Introductory presentation: Loic Charpentier, Head of Advocacy, Water Europe
🔹Moderator: Fiona Felix, Head of Public Affairs, Hansgrohe & Vice-President Advocacy, Water Europe.
Speakers:
🔹Blanca Salgado, Strategic Manager, Dupont
🔹Dominique Gatel, Global Director of Public Affairs on Water, VEOLIA
🔹Joaquim Bellvert, Head of the Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture program, IRTA
🔹Durk Krol, Executive Director, Water Europe
During this dinner, we will announce the Winners and Finalists of the Water Europe Water-Smart Awards 2026.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get informed about the news, events and activities of Water Europe.
Over the past year, the Water4All Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) Network has continued to grow into a vibrant European community of innovation. Following the first annual in-person gathering in Banyuls-sur-Mer in November 2025, where members came together to strengthen the foundations of the Network, exchange experiences and shape a common vision, this year's event marks the next step in that journey.