Water scarcity, environmental pollution and extreme weather are no longer marginal phenomena – they are a harsh reality in many regions of Europe. Given these circumstances, the Strategy aims to contribute to the comprehensive protection of water resources, more efficient use and the restoration of the natural water cycle. The aim is to ensure clean and affordable water for all and to promote a resilient water management system in Europe. However, potential conflicts of use have not been addressed.

Only 40% of water bodies are in good condition: a wake-up call

The initial situation is alarming: only around 40% of European surface waters achieved ‘good or high ecological status’ in 2021. By only achieving around 27%, the chemical status is even more critical. Responsible for this, in addition to industrial discharges, are so-called forever chemicals (PFAS), residues from agriculture and decades of overuse of natural water resources.

This is exacerbated by the consequences of climate change – extreme weather events, particularly prolonged droughts, falling groundwater levels – and an increase in urban flooding risks due to sealed surfaces. In short, Europe's water systems are overstrained. Without radical change, nothing less than a gradual erosion of the basic water supply is looming – with massive economic, social and environmental consequences.

The Water Resilience Strategy: what the EU Commission is proposing in concrete terms

The strategy is part of a larger political framework and was presented together with a European Ocean Pact. The idea behind it is that water must be understood as a fundamental component of the ecological transformation. Clean and available water resources are not only essential to life, but also a driving force for both the economy and innovation.

The strategy includes initial cornerstones and recommendations to support Member States in implementing more resilient water management by 2027 and 2030. To this end, the EU Commission is planning concrete measures across several pillars: governance and implementation, public and private investment and infrastructure, accelerating digitalisation and AI, boosting research and innovation, and security and preparedness. Specifically, this involves improving water quality, investing in modern infrastructure for water storage and treatment, expanding water reuse, increasing the digitalisation of water management, taking protective measures against floods and droughts, and implementing targeted measures against agricultural pollution.

Strong participation – but no binding targets

Particular emphasis is placed on the sovereignty and cooperation of Member States. The strategy refrains from establishing rigid targets, instead emphasizing customized recommendations that consider each country's initial conditions and progress achieved.  Many countries still have considerable ground to make up, particularly in terms of protection against agricultural pollution and the implementation of existing EU legislation.

The EU Commission plans to offer specific support in this area while also enhancing political pressure.  The broad participation is particularly noteworthy: the strategy was developed in close consultation with stakeholders from local authorities, industry, agriculture and civil society. After all, one thing is clear: the transition to sustainable water management cannot be imposed from Brussels. It requires the commitment of all stakeholders.

However, the downside of this approach is that binding measures are largely lacking. Even though incentives, recommendations and review mandates are provided for – for example, to address drought or PFAS – concrete legal obligations or budget guarantees are not included at this stage.

Water infrastructure: financing remains unresolved

A key problem runs through the entire debate: financing. Many countries face a significant challenge in the lack of sufficient investment in water infrastructure. Outdated sewage treatment plants, dilapidated pipes and a lack of storage capacity are commonplace. However, the EU Commission has left largely open how these renovation and modernisation requirements, which will cost billions, are to be met in future.

The role of the private sector also remains unclear: while local authorities are stressed as key partners, there is no critical examination of the risks that privatisation carries. And yet, it is precisely here that experience from previous decades shows that privatisation comes at the expense of quality, affordability and transparency. It would be negligent to ignore this debate. Public water suppliers are oriented towards the common good and can respond to crises without being subject to market mechanisms and the profit interests of private investors.

In addition, the financing planned to date is sobering: only around €15 billion is to be made available by the EIB for the period 2025-2027. This contrasts with annual health-related costs caused by PFAS of €52 to €84 billion (estimate for the EEA in 2019) and social costs of nitrogen pollution of €75 to €485 billion (estimate for the EU27 in 2008). From a trade union perspective, public-private partnerships (PPPs), as envisaged by the EU Commission, send the wrong signals both in the medium and long term. PPPs increase the risk of privatising profits while socialising losses. Rather, better implementation of the polluter pays principle is needed – so that those who cause the costs bear them, i.e. industry and agriculture.

What is missing? Lessons from the past

The EU Commission had already announced an initial initiative on water resilience in 2023, but this quietly disappeared from the agenda. In any case, with its call for an EU Blue Deal in October 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)  has presented a very good template for a water resilience strategy. However, the current initiative of the EU Commission does not address any potential conflicts of use in the event of water shortages and drought. AK's position is clear: access to safe and clean drinking water is to be prioritized over other uses.

A glimmer of hope – but no breakthrough yet

Despite the work still to be done, the Water Resilience Strategy is a first step in the right direction. It lays an important foundation for sustainable water policy and shows that Europe is finally recognising water as a strategic issue. Water should no longer be viewed as a limited resource, but as a systemically important resource that requires respect, skilled workers, protection and intelligent management. The concept of water resilience, i.e. the ability to respond flexibly to external shocks while maintaining ecological, social and economic balance, could become a guiding principle for the next decade.

The decisive factor will be how concrete and binding the EU Commission's follow-up measures will be in the coming months and years: Will clear targets and deadlines be formulated? Will genuine investment packages be put on the table? And will it be possible to overcome resistance from individual interests? This is the only way to work with Member States and local authorities to lay the foundations for a secure, fair and sustainable water supply.

Further information:

EU Commission: European Water Resilience Strategy
EU Commission: European Water Resilience Strategy (Communication)
AK EUROPA: Water resilience in Europe. Putting people and planet first
AK EUROPA: EU Blue Deal – a plan for the future of our water
AK EUROPA: Access to water as a human right
EU Parliament: Europe’s waters: key challenges and EU solutions