The strategy includes over 30 actions, including restoring balance in the water cycle, improving water use efficiency, and ensuring clean and accessible water for all EU citizens.
The proposal is driven by climate change, particularly the growing problems with droughts. The European Commission has presented a new plan aimed at increasing water use efficiency and combating chemical pollution.
The project aims to improve water use efficiency by 10 percent by 2030. This goal is “aspirational,” meaning it is non-binding. To achieve it, plans include repairing leaking pipes, setting maximum allowable losses in water supply networks, and developing repair strategies.
The European Commission’s proposal involves greater use of recycled water. Currently, only 2.4 percent of consumed water comes from reuse. The strategy promotes digitization, infrastructure modernization, and so-called nature-based solutions (e.g., wetland restoration).
A notable innovation is that the Commission does not intend to introduce new regulations, but rather to emphasize the enforcement of existing ones. It highlighted the need for better enforcement of current rules, noting that many member states do not meet the existing requirements for groundwater and river basin management.
The Commission identified chemical pollution—particularly PFAS (“forever chemicals”)—as a serious threat. The introduction of the “polluter pays” principle is planned. Under this rule, companies producing wastewater and other pollutants would bear the cost of restoring water resources.
The Commission also stressed that public-private partnerships supporting new water purification technologies are essential.
The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries feel disadvantaged. Under the directive on urban wastewater, producers are to cover 80 percent of the costs of removing residues of their products. These sectors are trying to soften the regulations, citing the high cost of implementation.
Some critical experts also point to the lack of binding targets and dedicated funding. NGOs such as Living Rivers Europe emphasize the need for concrete commitments and increased financial support for implementing nature-based solutions. The changes have been positively received by organizations such as Water Europe and The Nature Conservancy.
The EU’s water resilience strategy represents a comprehensive approach to water resource management, combining environmental, economic, and social aspects, with a focus on sustainable development and adaptation to changing climate conditions.
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