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:
These are supported by the following two enabling range of activities: