This document, “A Water Resilience Strategy”, is a position paper by Water Europe (WE) aimed at supporting innovation, research and development of water technologies in Europe. The document highlights the need a Water Resilience Strategy (WRS) to address water scarcity, pollution and efficiency, while supporting innovation and the circular economy.

Key points and recommendations of the document:

• Recognition of water at EU level: The document highlights that water is for the first time fully recognised in the European Commission's portfolio, with the aim of strengthening water security in Europe by addressing water efficiency, scarcity, pollution and risks.
• Problems and challenges: Water scarcity already affects 38% of the EU's population and key sectors, with water demand set to triple by 2030. The paper points out that fragmented priorities and limited cooperation between sectors are undermining progress.
• Investments and innovations: The document states that advanced water technologies can save €3 billion a year and create 13,000 jobs, but urgent investments of at least €255 billion are needed to ensure compliance with EU legislation and efficiency.
• Recommendations for water policy:
  • Creation Fund for the transition to water management in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for investments in water infrastructure.
  • Strengthening the EU's industrial competitiveness through water management agreements for industry, which sets out the "water first" principle, exploits the potential of water reuse and integrates comprehensive water management strategies into EU industrial policies.
  • Creation Circular Economy Act for Water Management, which promotes wastewater reuse and efficient technologies in water-intensive industries, and supports water efficiency requirements, including freshwater intensity labelling.
  • Elaboration vision for European agriculture, which focuses on incentives for quantitative water management, such as water reuse, natural solutions, water allocation between different sectors, as well as diffuse pollution.
  • Usage digital water management opportunities through an EU-wide action plan to support the digitalisation of the water sector and the introduction of a water billing system with improved data interoperability.
  • Securing objectives in the area biodiversity and zero pollution through the implementation and enforcement of zero pollution legislation and addressing pollution at source.
  • Support disruptive research and innovation activities through the development of a new generation of water management solutions with the support of the Horizon Europe Water Programme and the creation of a Water KIC.
  • Prediction risks associated with water and climate change through ex ante investments and climate change mitigation and adaptation plans that take into account water-related risks, fires, floods and droughts.
  • Reinforcement inclusive governance through a permanent inter-ministerial group in the European Commission and supporting the creation of living laboratories focused on water, as well as supporting the development of new skills and job profiles within the water sector.
  • Achievement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a water management plan that clarifies collaboration and financial opportunities, as well as working with the private sector to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
• Horizontal recommendations: The document identifies four horizontal recommendations for achieving water security, including unlocking water management, harnessing digital opportunities, strengthening inclusive governance, and supporting research and innovation.
• EU projects: Water Europe is involved in various EU projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to achieve water management, such as iMERMAID, iDEATION, AquaSPICE, MULTISOURCE, ZeroPollution4Water and NEXOGENESIS. These projects focus on protecting aquatic ecosystems, digitalising water management, circular water use in industry and promoting nature-based solutions for water management in urban areas.

The overall objective of the document is to promote a holistic approach to water management that takes into account environmental, economic and social aspects, and that leads to a smarter and more sustainable future for water management in Europe. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Water Resilience: The ability of water systems to withstand and recover from extreme events such as droughts, floods and pollution, while meeting the needs of society and ecosystems.
• Water-Smart: An approach to water resources management that emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, innovation, and the use of technology to optimize water use.
• Circular Economy: An economic model that minimizes waste and pollution, maximizes resource use, and extends the lifespan of products and materials.
• Water Fund: A financial instrument designed for investments in water infrastructure, technologies and projects aimed at improving water management and resilience to drought and floods.
• Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): The long-term budget of the European Union, which sets priorities and financial limits for different policy areas.
• Zero Pollution: The European Union's goal is to achieve minimal air, water and soil pollution by 2050 in order to protect human health and ecosystems.
• Industrial Competitiveness: The ability of European industry to compete effectively on the global market, taking into account environmental and social aspects.
• Digital Transformation: The process of integrating digital technologies into all aspects of water management, from monitoring and management to service delivery.
• Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at addressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
• NBS (Nature Based Solutions): Nature-inspired solutions that use ecosystem services to address environmental and societal challenges such as floods, droughts, and water pollution.
• WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus): Interconnections and dependencies between water, energy, food and ecosystems.
• KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community): A knowledge and innovation community that connects education, research and business activities in a specific area to support innovation.