Hildegard Bentele, the newly elected Chairperson of the MEP Water Group, brings fresh leadership and a dynamic vision to European water policy. In her first interview in this role, she shares her personal connection to water, her priorities for fostering collaboration and innovation, and her commitment to addressing Europe’s water challenges with sustainable and forward-thinking solutions.
What does water mean to you? What personally motivates you in taking on this new leadership role at the MEP Water Group?
Water is undeniably a vital resource. I personally do drink tap water and refill my bottle every time at Berlin and Brussels airport where public water fountains are available. I am also a huge fan of swimming in the sea, mainly the clear waters of the Croatian Adriatic coast.
With regard to politics, we are currently navigating a critical phase in the protection and management of water resources, and this has also been recognized by the President of the European Commission as we can see from her initiative to install a Commissioner for water resilience and to prepare a corresponding strategy. Water-related problems are evident, but at the same moment, solutions are also within reach as I can experience in my constituency Berlin but also from discussion with the Committee of the Regions where an agenda for a “blue deal” has been put forward. I am convinced we will succeed, if we – public and private sectors, policymakers, and citizens – unite our efforts to turn challenges into opportunities and build a resilient future where water is preserved as a shared resource for all. As a mother of two and Christian Democrat, this is not only a professional aim but also a personal one.
Why should people know about the MEP Water Group? How are its activities shaping the European water policy, and what impact has it had so far?
The MEP Water Group was originally initiated in 2009. Since then, the group played a pivotal role in pushing water on the political agenda. The group fosters cross-political cooperation and engages with various committees and stakeholders. That is exactly what we want. Water must be addressed comprehensively, shifting from a “silo approach” to holistic and collaborative approach that covers the different aspects of water management across sectors. Last year, the MEP Water Group along with the European Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee, and Members of the European Parliament called for a water strategy. This year, the Water Resilience Strategy has been announced by Commission President von der Leyen and we have for the first time a Commissioner for Water Resilience. It shows that together we can achieve a lot.
As the new chairperson of the MEP Water Group, what will be your immediate priorities? Are there specific dossiers or initiatives that you aim to address first?
For me, the MEP Water Group is a forum where all people that are interested in water related issues can come together, have open discussions and share their expertise. My top priority is to convince people that we need to stop thinking that sustainability and economic growth do mutually exclude each other – because they do not. As policymakers, our role is clear: we must create a regulatory framework that empowers businesses to innovate while safeguarding the rights and interests of citizens. By doing so, we not only address water challenges but also reinforce Europe’s position in the global market. Investments in smart technologies and efficient water systems will be pivotal in shaping a future where Europe remains a model of resilience and competitiveness. As the newly elected EPP shadow rapporteur for amending the Water Framework Directive, I am also interested to use the MEP Water Group as a “soundboard” for discussions on legislation.
