BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission initiated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, providing a formal venue for experts, EU member states, and international observers to collaborate. The platform aims to facilitate the execution of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It gathers 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member states. International organizations will serve as observers, contributing external expertise to discussions surrounding water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee, and 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. Discussions focused on platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency initiatives. Throughout its term, the three institutions will oversee the platform. This structure directly connects the forum with EU policy organizations and civil society groups.
The Water Resilience Strategy establishes three primary targets for Europe through 2050: restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, fostering a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy also sets a goal to enhance water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. While the European Commission is creating a joint methodology for water-efficiency targets, member states have the option to set their own objectives based on national circumstances.
Platform integrates experts into EU water policymaking
Following a call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness issued in spring 2026, the platform was formed. Members are appointed for five-year terms under the framework established by the Commission. They are tasked with helping develop a three-year work plan, which is subject to annual review. The platform’s schedule includes two meetings annually in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum occurs.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the European Commission issued a call for evidence concerning 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 further savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development efforts
The Brussels initiative also marked the launch of the European Water Academy later on Monday. As a flagship component of the Water Resilience Strategy, the academy is coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Its focus areas include skills enhancement, research, innovation, and the transfer of technology within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations on the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy encompasses over 50 key actions monitored by the European Commission. Data indicates that only 37% of surface water bodies attain good ecological status, whereas 85% of bathing-water sites are rated with excellent quality. Over 90% of urban wastewater complies with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as an ongoing forum for expert advice concerning water protection, efficiency, investments, digitalisation, and access to clean water.