BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – In Brussels on Monday, the European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, creating an official forum for experts, EU member states, and international observers. This platform aims to facilitate the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from various sectors alongside representatives from member states. International organizations will act as observers, providing external expertise on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience discussions.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and European Committee of the Regions. Its opening session was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. Discussions covered platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency. Throughout its mandate, these three institutions will oversee the platform, establishing a direct link to EU policy bodies and organized civil society.
Europe’s Water Resilience Strategy aims to achieve three primary goals by 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy commits to an EU-wide target of improving water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, while member states may establish their own objectives based on national circumstances.
Expertise central to EU water policy via platform
The platform was created following a spring 2026 call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms in accordance with the Commission’s framework. They are tasked with helping to formulate a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform’s structure provides for two meetings each year in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation ranks among the platform’s initial priorities. In May, the Commission issued a call for evidence regarding an EU action plan for digital water management. This plan encompasses data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools intended to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission reports, smart meters can reduce water consumption by up to 25%, while digital systems and leak detection technologies can generate additional savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development efforts
On the same day, the Brussels program launched the European Water Academy, a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. This new academy is coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and concentrates on skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event included presentations about the academy, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the emerging generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 critical actions tracked by the Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status, while 85% of bathing-water sites are rated of excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.