ENVI Committee debate on the European Water Resilience Strategy
Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D) presented again his report and recommendation for the European Water Resilience Strategy (WRS). Defending that “the Water Resilience Strategy (WRS) is a critical and long-overdue initiative” and that “it should be a key step towards appreciating the intrinsic value of water for our humanity, ecosystems and the EU’s strategic autonomy”, MEP Bajada reinforced the 6 key pillars of the EP Report on the WRS: water efficiency, pollution mitigation, climate adaptation, funding, digitalisation & innovation, cross-border cooperation.
There is broad cross-party agreement on the need for a comprehensive WRS, given water’s role in industrial competitiveness, food security, and climate adaptation. Some MEPs, including Rapporteur Bajada and Shadow Rapporteur Crespo Díaz (EPP), highlighted the necessity of securing adequate financial support, suggesting the inclusion of a dedicated funding line in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to sustain long-term investments in water infrastructure and resilience.
Additionally, the role of digitalization and technological innovation was emphasised in the debate. MEP Vasconcelos (Renew) pointed to the potential benefits of smart water systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing water monitoring, efficiency, and decision-making in a water-smart society. The implementation of such technologies can support real-time tracking of water usage and quality, ensuring compliance with EU regulations such as the Water Framework Directive and improving cross-sectoral water management policies.
Water’s value for our economy and competitiveness was likewise highlighted. In line with the EESC Declaration for an EU Blue Deal, MEP Tegethoff (Greens) noted the need to implement a right for economic activities to consume water.
The significance of water for the agri-food sector and the importance of promoting water-smart agriculture practices was also a point of discussion by different MEPs.
The EP advocated for proactive steps to be taken now in order to help mitigate future costs related to water scarcity and quality issues across the EU.
