HISTORY
Water Europe (WE) was initiated by the European Commission (EC) in 2004 as the European Technology Platform (ETP) for water with the name WssTP. This ETP status was renewed by the EC in 2013 in line with its ETP2020 strategy. In 2007, WE was transformed into a member-based multistakeholder platform under Belgian law. Since then, the membership and activities of the organisation have continuously grown and evolved in line with its ambition to represent the whole value-chain of water and achieve a European Water-Smart Society.
WE Missions
Improve coordination and collaboration in the water sector and water using sectors in the EU and beyond
Enhance the performance and competitiveness of the European water sector and water using sectors.
Contribute to solving global challenges through research and innovation.
WE Water Vision & SIRA
Water Europe envisions a Water-Smart Society in which the true value of water is recognised and realised, and all available water sources are managed in such a way that water scarcity and pollution of water are avoided. Water and resource loops are largely closed to foster a circular economy and optimal resource efficiency, while the water system is resilient against the impact of climate change events.
WE has developed 4 innovation areas that are quintessential for the transition to a Water-Smart Society: The Multiple Waters, the Digital Water, the Value in Water, and an underpinning Hybrid Grey-Green Infrastructure, which are further explained in our Water Vision.
Achieving the Water-Smart Society requires leadership, strategic action, and persistence. WE will drive the transition to a Water-Smart Society with the support of nine Vision Leadership Teams each representing a key dimension of Water Europe’s Water Vision.
Our Values define us:
Water Europe strives to generate impactful results for its members, and it does so with commitment towards building a Water-Smart Society. Our values and our vision for the future are clear. All our actions are guided by this one main compass, our Water Vision 2030.
Our vision means societal responsibility. It means forward-looking innovation. It means evidence-based and financially sustainable solutions. This is the way we deliver results, together with our members, covering the whole water value chain. This is how we have made it possible to deliver the right results, the right way.
PROGRAMMES
Water Europe Programmes
The strategy of Water Europe is driven by the ambition to achieve a Water-Smart Society and provide services to members. Our activities are organised in the following programmes, each supported by a dedicated annual event:
Water Europe Advocacy Programme
The Water Europe Advocacy Programme is all about raising the awareness of the value of water for our society and economy, making sure that all the right financial, regulatory, governmental, and informational drivers are put in place, and advocating for the proper inclusion of the water-related topics in European funding programmes.
Water Europe Collaboration Programme
The Water Europe Collaboration Programme allows our members to network, exchange knowledge and experiences, and to collaborate along the water value chain to address challenges, develop and implement new solutions, and shape successful project consortia.
Water Europe Market Programme
The Water Europe Market Programme enables our members to bring their research results and innovative solutions to the market in Europe and beyond.
These are supported by the following two enabling range of activities:
Water Europe Communication pillar
The Water Europe Communication pillar supports the outreach and marketing of all our other activities. It also includes our Communication, Dissemination, and networking services for projects consortia that include at least one Water Europe member.
Water Europe Membership pillar
The Water Europe Membership pillar consists of activities that deliver high quality services and results to our members, with the aim to consolidate and expand the current Water Europe membership base.
