BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission established the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating an official space for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The platform aims to facilitate the rollout of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from diverse sectors along with representatives from member countries. External organizations will join as observers, contributing additional expertise to conversations on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is co-chaired by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. Its opening session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda included discussions on platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation strategy, and water efficiency initiatives. These three institutions will oversee the platform throughout its term, establishing a direct link to EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe through 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, building a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. An EU-wide target aims to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. While the Commission develops a unified methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states may set their own benchmarks based on national conditions.
Expert platform shapes EU water policy
Following a spring 2026 call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness, the platform’s members were appointed for five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. Their role includes assisting in the development of a three-year work program, which will undergo annual evaluation. The platform is scheduled to meet twice annually in Brussels, barring years when a dedicated Water Resilience Forum occurs.
Digitalisation ranks among the platform’s initial focus areas. 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 meant to enhance infrastructure management and water efficiency. According to Commission documents, smart meters could reduce water consumption by up to 25%, while digital systems and leak detection could generate further savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development efforts
Brussels also hosts the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday, a key initiative under the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre manages the academy, which emphasizes skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer in the water sector. The launch event features presentations on the academy itself, its inaugural EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The comprehensive Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 critical actions monitored by the Commission. EU data indicate that only 37% of surface water bodies reach good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are of excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater complies with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and clean-water access.