Water resilience: MEPs call for comprehensive EU strategy

Introduce sectoral water efficiency and water abstraction targets

Include a dedicated water resilience fund in upcoming MFF

Promote digitalisation and innovation as key pillars

Environment Committee MEPs adopted their recommendations on how the EU should manage its water resources more efficiently and respond better to current challenges.

The own initiative report, adopted with 68 votes in favour, six against and 13 abstentions, constitutes Parliament’s contribution to the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy.

Underlining that water is not only essential to people’s lives and health, but also central to Europe’s economic survival, competitiveness, and climate adaptation efforts, MEPs want an ambitious and comprehensive strategy, with water at the heart of the EU’s strategic autonomy.

Water efficiency targets, address pollution and “forever chemicals” phase-out

The report calls on the Commission to propose sectoral targets for water efficiency and abstraction (taking water from a surface or underground source) based on risk assessments.

To tackle water scarcity, MEPs underline key areas where urgent progress is needed, including higher wastewater reuse, enhanced water efficiency in agriculture, increased water savings in the buildings sector, modernised industrial and production processes.

The EU needs to further reduce pollution from chemicals, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics, chemical pesticides and fertilizers, MEPs say. They want the Commission to phase out “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in consumer goods proven of concern for human health and environment and to propose updated PFAS limits in drinking water.

Dedicated funding and cross-border cooperation

MEPs call on the Commission to create a separate and dedicated fund for water resilience in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), supported by specific mechanisms within existing funds, to modernise water infrastructure, sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and innovative water-efficient technologies. They highlight the need for support to regions most at risk of water scarcity, including islands, the Mediterranean region and outermost regions.

MEPs also stress that water resilience must be a shared European effort, built on cross-border cooperation and regional solidarity. They urge the Commission to ensure that water resilience, sustainability and security are integrated across all internal and external EU policies.

Digitalisation and innovation

MEPs urge the Commission to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, real-time leak detection, smart irrigation, and emerging technologies that improve water efficiency. They stress the importance of digital tools for transparent data collection that should serve as a basis for decision-making across all levels of governance.

Quote

Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT) said: " This is a clear message to the Commission: the time for a bold and targeted European Water Resilience Strategy is now. Water efficiency targets, a PFAS phase-out, dedicated funding and digital innovation must be the backbone of this strategy. Water is not just a resource - it is a pillar of our strategic autonomy, our competitiveness, and our daily lives. No region should be left behind in Europe’s path towards resilience.”

Next steps

The report is expected to be adopted during the 5-8 May plenary session.

Background

EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced a European Water Resilience Strategy in her political guidelines, Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, reiterated the commitment in her confirmation hearing and the strategy was included in the Commission’s 2025 work programme.