Access to clean and safe water is both a fundamental right and a growing challenge in Europe. The European Commission has recently presented an ambitious strategy to ensure water security across the European Union, addressing both water quality and availability and the sustainability of water management in a context of climate change and increasing demand.
What is water security and why is it key for Europe?
Water security is much more than just having water. It involves ensuring that this essential resource is available in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the needs of people, the economy and the environment, both now and in the future.
In Europe, water security faces major challenges. Pressure on water resources is evident: climate change is intensifying droughts, heat waves and floods, while demand for water continues to rise. This puts public health, agriculture, energy production and ecosystem stability at risk. Securing water for all is therefore a strategic priority on the continent.
EU Water Resilience Strategy 2025: Objectives and priorities
Aware of this reality, on 4 June the European Commission presented its European Water Resilience Strategy. This plan marks a turning point in the way water is managed, as it comprehensively addresses current and future challenges to ensure access to clean and affordable water.
The strategy is based on three main pillars:
- Restore and protect the water cycle. Actions will be promoted to restore aquatic ecosystems and strengthen integrated water resource management, tackling pollution and promoting nature as an ally for storing and filtering water.
- Promote a smart water economy. The aim is to encourage the efficient use of this resource, encouraging innovation and digitalisation to accurately measure, monitor and manage water. It will also promote resilient infrastructure, reuse of treated wastewater and an overall reduction in consumption.
- Ensuring equitable access to water. No European citizen should go without safe drinking water. The strategy includes measures to ensure its availability and quality, even in the context of drought or increasingly frequent extreme events.
In total, the European Commission proposes more than 40 concrete actions for the coming years, including a key target: a 10% increase in water efficiency across the EU by 2030.
Drinking water in Europe: Current situation and challenges
Although Europe has significant water resources, the reality is that many countries experience water shortages on a regular basis. In addition, only 2.4% of wastewater is reused, and between 8% and 57% of drinking water is lost through leaks in distribution networks, according to the European Commission.
Pollution, especially from nitrates and chemicals such as PFASs, remains a problem, affecting drinking water quality and ecosystems. These data highlight the need for urgent and efficient action.
European water policy: measures to ensure access to water
To implement the strategy, the European Commission proposes a collaborative approach. Structured dialogues will be established between Member States, regions, cities, the private sector and civil society to coordinate policies, share experiences and optimise resources.
In terms of financing, European funds and European Investment Bank (EIB) support lines will be mobilised to develop resilient infrastructure and innovative technologies. In addition, the Commission will set up a European Water Forum, which will meet every two years from December 2025, to assess progress and adjust actions if necessary.
Innovation in water management: key to water security
The European Commission underlines the importance of innovation and digitalisation in transforming water management. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring sensors and advanced modelling will make it possible to predict extreme events and optimise water distribution and use.
Sustainable technologies driving the strategy
Among the most prominent solutions are water reuse systems, AI leak detection and atmospheric water generators, which produce drinking water directly from the air, thus contributing to the diversification and resilience of water sources.
GENAQ: innovation to strengthen water security in Europe
In this context, at GENAQ we work every day to provide innovative solutions to strengthen water security. Our atmospheric water generators convert ambient humidity into high quality drinking water, providing a sustainable and efficient alternative in places where access to water is limited or vulnerable.
We firmly believe that the European strategy is a decisive step towards a water secure future, and we are proud to contribute cutting-edge technology to ensure clean, affordable and available water for all.
Comments
