Water Europe has released a new Position Paper titled “The Multiannual Financial Framework: Securing Europe’s future through Strategic Water Investment”, calling for €300 billion dedicated to water in the next EU budget (2028–2034) to make the European Water Resilience Strategy a reality.
Why Water Investment Matters
Water is not simply a cost — it is a growth driver and a cornerstone of Europe’s resilience and competitiveness: Every €1 invested in water generates €2.35 in economic output. Every €1 billion invested creates 16,000 jobs.
Key Recommendations
To secure Europe’s water-smart future, Water Europe urges policymakers to:
– Allocate €300 billion across EU funds
– Set performance criteria on water quantity as well as quality
– Prioritise water in national investment plans
– Support cross-cutting water objectives to build synergies with other EU strategies
The data is clear:
– Nearly one-third of EU territory and 38% of the population already face water scarcity
– Global water demand is projected to rise 30% by 2050, putting EU GDP at risk of €500 billion in losses
– Strategic industries such as semiconductors, hydrogen, EV batteries, and data centres could triple their water demand by 2030
Building Europe’s Resilience
Water is essential not only for ecosystems but also for Europe’s economic security, climate adaptation, and technological leadership. By investing strategically in water, the EU can secure sustainable growth, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure a resilient future. Read the full Position Paper here.
