BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform in Brussels on Monday, creating a formal forum for experts, EU member states and international observers. The platform supports implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted in June 2025. It brings together 60 experts from multiple sectors, alongside representatives from member states. International organisations will participate as observers, adding external expertise to discussions on water policy, infrastructure, efficiency and resilience.
The European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee and European Committee of the Regions co-chair the platform. The opening session featured Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, EESC President Seamus Boland and Committee of the Regions Vice-President Carlos Moedas. The meeting agenda covers platform operations, the EU water-sector digitalisation plan and water efficiency. The three institutions will oversee the platform throughout its mandate. That structure links the forum directly with EU policy bodies and organised civil society.
The Water Resilience Strategy sets three main objectives for Europe through 2050. Its objectives cover restoring and protecting the water cycle and building a water-smart economy. They also include ensuring safe and affordable water and sanitation. The strategy sets an EU-wide goal to improve water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. The Commission is developing a joint methodology for water-efficiency targets, while member states may set their own targets according to national conditions.
Platform brings experts into EU water policy
The platform followed a spring 2026 call for specialists in water governance, efficiency, finance, infrastructure, digitalisation, research, innovation, skills and preparedness. Members received five-year terms under the framework set out by the Commission. They are expected to help develop a three-year work programme that undergoes annual review. The platform’s terms provide for two meetings a year in Brussels, except during years when a separate Water Resilience Forum takes place.
Digitalisation is one of the platform’s first working areas. The Commission opened a call for evidence in May on an EU action plan for digital water management. That plan covers data-driven systems, smart meters, sensors and other tools designed to improve infrastructure management and water efficiency. Commission material says smart meters can cut water use by up to 25%. It says digital systems and leak detection can deliver additional savings.
European Water Academy expands skills focus
The Brussels program also includes the launch of the European Water Academy later Monday. The academy is a flagship action under the Water Resilience Strategy. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre coordinates it. It focuses on skills, research, innovation and technology transfer for the water sector. The launch program includes presentations on the academy, its first EUWA Champions and the next generation of water professionals.
The wider Water Resilience Strategy contains more than 50 key actions tracked by the Commission. EU data show that only 37% of surface water bodies achieve good ecological status. They also show that 85% of bathing-water sites have excellent quality. More than 90% of urban wastewater is handled in line with EU standards. The stakeholder platform now provides a standing forum for expert advice on water protection, efficiency, investment, digitalisation and clean-water access.