BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – European Commission introduced the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday. This initiative establishes an official forum for experts, EU member states, and international observers. The platform’s purpose is to aid the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which was adopted in June 2025. It unites 60 specialists from various sectors along with representatives from member countries. International organisations will observe, contributing external expertise on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency, and resilience.
The platform is co-chaired by the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission, and the European Committee of the Regions. The launch featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland, and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The agenda included discussions on platform management, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan, and water efficiency. These three institutions will oversee the platform during its term. This structure links the forum directly to EU policy bodies and civil society organizations.
The Water Resilience Strategy aims to reach three main goals for Europe through 2050. These include restoring and safeguarding the water cycle and developing a water-smart economy. It also emphasizes providing safe, affordable water and sanitation. The strategy commits to improving water efficiency across the EU by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is working on a shared methodology for water-efficiency targets. Member states may set their own objectives based on national conditions.
Expert group formed to influence EU water policies
The platform was created following a spring 2026 call for specialists in areas like water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills, and preparedness. Members are appointed for five-year terms as per the Commission’s framework. They will help develop a three-year work programme, which will be reviewed yearly. The platform is set to meet twice annually in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum is held.
Digitalisation is among the platform’s initial focus areas. In May, the Commission launched a call for evidence about an EU action plan for digital water management. The plan involves data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors, and other tools to improve infrastructure management and water efficiency. The Commission states that smart meters can reduce water use by up to 25%. It also indicates that digital systems and leak detection can generate additional savings.
European Water Academy broadens skills development efforts
Brussels is also hosting the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday. This initiative is a key part of the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre manages it. The academy aims to enhance skills, research, innovation, and technology transfer in the water sector. During the launch, there will be 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 Commission. EU data reveal that only 37% of surface water bodies meet good ecological status. They also show that 85% of bathing-water sites have excellent quality. More than 90% of urban wastewater is treated according to EU standards. The stakeholder platform now serves as a permanent forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation, and access to clean water.