BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, the European Commission initiated the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels. This platform provides a structured forum for experts, EU member state representatives, and international observers to collaborate. Its purpose is to support the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. The platform unites 60 specialists from diverse sectors along with officials from member countries. External organizations will also take part as observers, contributing their expertise to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is jointly led by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions. Its inaugural session was attended by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda for the meeting included platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency initiatives. These three organizations will oversee the platform during its entire term. This structure ensures a direct link between the forum, EU policy institutions, and organized civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy outlines three primary goals for Europe through the year 2050. These include restoring and safeguarding the water cycle, developing a water-smart economy, and guaranteeing access to safe, affordable water and sanitation services. An overarching EU objective is to enhance water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is currently working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets. Meanwhile, member states are encouraged to establish their own goals based on their national circumstances.
Expert platform aims to shape EU water policies
The platform was formed following a call in spring 2026 for specialists in water governance, efficiency, financing, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members receive five-year appointments under the framework outlined by the Commission. They are tasked with helping to develop a three-year work plan, which will be reviewed annually. The platform’s terms specify that two meetings will be held each year in Brussels, except in years when a separate Water Resilience Forum convenes.
Digitalisation is 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 emphasizes data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools aimed at improving infrastructure and water efficiency. According to the Commission, smart meters alone could reduce water consumption by up to 25%. Additional savings are expected from digital systems and leak detection technologies.
European Water Academy expands focus on skills development
Also on Monday, the Brussels program announced the launch of the European Water Academy. This initiative is a key part of the Water Resilience Strategy. It is coordinated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The academy’s main goal is to enhance skills, promote research, foster innovation, and facilitate technology transfer within the water sector. The launch event featured presentations about the academy, its first EUWA Champions, and the upcoming generation of water professionals.
The broader Water Resilience Strategy includes over 50 key actions monitored by the European Commission. Current EU data reveals that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status. It also shows that 85% of bathing-water sites are of excellent quality. Additionally, more than 90% of urban wastewater is treated in accordance with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now functions as an ongoing forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.