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 as an official sponsor.
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.
- 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.
How can Europe attract private capital into water resilience, innovation and infrastructure? 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.
Recurring droughts and growing demand are turning water availability into a structural challenge for Europe. Securing sufficient water for citizens, food production, ecosystems and a competitive economy requires moving beyond emergency responses towards long-term management of both water demand and supply.
As Europe steps up the debate on water efficiency and it is looking at a potential revision of the water reuse regulation, how can we make better use of available water and deal with scarcity? From efficiency and cascading to reuse and alternative water resources, 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.
During this dinner, we will announce the Winners and Finalists of the Water Europe Water-Smart Awards 2026.
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