BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – With 60 experts from various sectors participating, the European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating an official forum for specialists, EU member states, and global observers. The platform aims to facilitate the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites representatives from different sectors and member states, while international organizations will observe and contribute external expertise to discussions concerning water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. The inaugural session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Topics on the agenda include platform management, digitalisation strategies for the EU water sector, and water efficiency initiatives. These three institutions will supervise the platform throughout its term, establishing a direct link with EU policy organizations and civil society groups.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary goals for Europe by 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water and sanitation. The strategy also sets an EU-wide target to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the European Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states are encouraged to determine their own goals based on national circumstances.
Expert Platform Facilitates EU Water Policy Development
Following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, members were appointed for five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. They will contribute to shaping a three-year work plan that will be subject to annual reviews. The platform’s structure includes two meetings annually in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation remains a key focus for the platform’s initial activities. In May, the European Commission issued a call for evidence concerning an EU action plan for digital water management, which addresses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other technological tools aimed at improving infrastructure and water efficiency. According to Commission reports, the use of smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, and digital systems combined with leak detection can generate further savings.
European Water Academy to Broaden Skills Development
Also on Monday, the Brussels program saw the launch of the European Water Academy, a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. Managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, this academy emphasizes skills enhancement, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations on the academy’s vision, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the future generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 critical actions monitored by the European Commission. Data from the EU indicates that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are of excellent quality. Additionally, over 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum providing expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and ensuring access to clean water.