On Tuesday, July 2nd, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) convened to address the urgent need for a comprehensive water strategy in light of climate and biodiversity emergencies.
Crisis Highlighted: Florian Marin emphasized the severity of Romania’s water scarcity, despite the country being one of the EU’s richest in water resources. Alarmingly, over 20 municipalities in Romania have restricted water access due to scarcity.
Basic Amenities Lacking: About one-third of the Romanian population lacks basic amenities such as a bath, shower, or indoor flushing toilet. Additionally, only 12% of Romanians consider tap water safe, and a mere 12% of sewage is treated to EU standards, according to the European Environmental Agency.
Water Losses and Emissions: Romania faces significant water losses and unaccounted and unbilled water quantities, contributing to 8% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions.
Key Recommendations:
- Appoint a dedicated EU commissioner for water.
- Adopt a human rights-based approach to combat water poverty.
- Ensure sustainable, equitable, high-quality, and affordable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services for all.
- Implement international policies for efficient water use across all sectors, reducing pollution, and restoring degraded waters.
- Significantly reduce water losses from leaks and waste in agriculture, industry, and households.
Call to Action: Like Romania, all European countries are increasingly affected by water scarcity, underscoring the critical need to transition towards a Water-Smart Society. This approach is essential to address today’s challenges and prevent future crises.
