Adopted by the European Commission in June 2025, the European Water Resilience Strategy is a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen the EU’s ability to manage water resources sustainably, equitably, and efficiently.
Three core objectives
- Restore and protect the water cycle
- Enforce existing EU water laws
- Promote water-smart practices
- Adopt green infrastructure to improve retention and reduce pollution
- Build a water-smart economy
- Improve water efficiency across sectors
- Target a 10% reduction in water use by 2030
- Modernise infrastructure and foster innovation
- Ensure access to clean and affordable water for all
- Promote education, best practices, and fair pricing policies
- Support equitable access to water resources across Member States
Five key action areas
- Governance & implementation
- Investment & infrastructure
- Digitalisation
- Innovation & skills
- Security & preparedness
Flagship initiatives
- Water resilience investment accelerator
- European water academy
- European water observation hub
The strategy also aims to mobilise significant funding, including €15 billion from the European Investment Bank (2025–2027), to support water-related projects across the EU. Recognising water as a global challenge, the strategy promotes international collaboration to strengthen resilience beyond EU borders.