Dear Water Europe family!
The year 2021 we have just left behind has been a very productive one, as some of the achievements listed below come to show.
WE managed along 2021 to attract 41 new members. WE continues in excellent health and growing by double-digit numbers!
Regarding internal organization, we concluded this year with a smooth transition to the Planning Period 2021-2024 with a new Vision Leadership Team (VLT) and a revised Working Group (WG) structure. Despite pandemic difficulties, the year also saw some of the most successful editions of our annual flagship events, and the launch of our new events’ concept Water Project Europe.
The Consolidation of WE as a strategic stakeholder for water-related policy development and implementation was underlined in 2021 by our involvement in the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Forum.
Looking into the future, continuing our strive for excellence, we are working already on what we have called a new Membership Experience Journey for our Water Europe members, and we are excited about some of the future developments, which will surely see the light during this year: 2022 will see the acquisition and implementation of new communication, collaboration, and management tools such as an all-in-one CRM and community platform that will help our members to work online, and a brand-new, user-centred, website.
Water Market Europe 2022 will take place on 31 March 2022. The transition to a climate-neutral and circular society calls not only for technological innovation, but also for a holistic systemic socio-economic approach and the concrete market outreach of innovations. That’s why this year´s event will take place under the title ‘Circular Solutions for Water Industrial Management and Industrial Symbiosis’ and will focus on the efficient management of industrial water.
Water Innovation Europe 2022 shall take place from 14 to 15th June, 2022, and this year we seriously hope to be able to organize a hybrid physical/digital event and to be able to greet you all there!
WE has recently released its new position paper on the ‘Bathing Water Directive’. WE welcomes the revision of the Bathing Water Directive legislation which brings several benefits to our society. WE also considers that further efforts are needed to improve existing management methods and to be more in line with innovative solutions, tackling emerging problems and ensuring synergies with other legislations. Coming up next, WE is planning four 4 new publications on Water-Oriented Living Labs, and WE members success in collaborative research projects, respectively, as well as, a strategic publication on the role of water in the zero-carbon economy.
Don´t miss out on our featured interview of Mr Friso Douwstra, Deputy of the provincial executive from the province of Friesland, in this issue. Sabine Stuiver from Hydraloop Systems talks with our guest about the importance of water for the province of Friesland, its advanced water technology sector, and more.
Stay healthy and wherever you are, and whatever you do, let’s continue to Talk Water!
