Every year, the European Commission adopts its annual work programme setting out the list of the most important new policy and legislative initiatives it will take in the year ahead.
The Commission’s 2025 Work Programme, titled “Moving Forward Together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union,” has been released on the 11th of February 2025, and outlines strategic initiatives to enhance the EU’s security, prosperity, and democratic values. A significant component of this programme is the Water Resilience Strategy (WRS), scheduled for announcement in the second quarter of 2025.
Key Objectives of the Water Resilience Strategy (WRS):
- Integrated Water Management: Implement a source-to-sea approach to ensure cohesive water management practices across the EU.
- Addressing Water Scarcity: Develop measures to combat water scarcity and promote sustainable water usage.
- Enhancing Industry Competitiveness: Strengthen the EU water industry’s competitiveness through innovation and sustainable practices.
In her Statement of February 4th, 2025 on the state of water in the EU, Commissioner for Environment, Jessika Roswall, highlighted the necessity of a paradigm shift, declaring that, “We can no longer take water for granted. We have to work together to build a water-resilient Europe by 2050”.
The Strategy will address five action areas: 1. Governance and implementation; 2. Infrastructure; 3. Finance and investment; 4. Security; 5. Industry, innovation & education.
To inform the Strategy, the Commission has launched a call for evidence, inviting stakeholders to provide input on designing effective water resilience policies. This collaborative approach aims to integrate water considerations across various policies and funding mechanisms, fostering cooperation among sectors reliant on water resources.
