ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe: A Call for Action

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Europe is facing increasing water-related challenges, from droughts and floods to insufficient access to clean drinking water. To address this, the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “For a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe” seeks to elevate water as a key priority within the EU’s policy framework. The ECI aims to ensure that water resilience is treated with the same urgency as decarbonisation, advocating for a strategic approach that prioritises water sustainability for individuals, businesses, agriculture, and ecosystems alike.

Objectives of the ECI

The ECI outlines several critical objectives:

  1. Water as a Strategic Priority: The initiative calls on the European Commission to prioritise water management within all EU policies, alongside decarbonisation, through a comprehensive action plan.
  2. Reducing the Water Footprint: A focus on significantly reducing the water footprint across various sectors—agriculture, industry, and urban development—is central to this initiative. It emphasises the importance of safeguarding water for future generations.
  3. Circular Economy and Water Efficiency: The initiative advocates for water-smart practices that promote resource recovery, hybrid green-grey infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. These innovations aim to drive water efficiency and improve sustainability in industries and agriculture.
  4. Skills for a Water-Smart Economy: Building a water-resilient Europe also requires the development of a skilled workforce. The ECI highlights the need to preserve existing jobs and create new opportunities within the water-smart economy.
  5. Human Right to Clean Water: The initiative underscores the human right to access safe and clean water. It also supports ecosystem restoration efforts to protect Europe’s aquatic environments.

The Water Crisis in Europe: A Growing Concern

Europe, like many parts of the world, is feeling the pressure of the global water crisis. The region is experiencing more frequent and severe droughts and floods, threatening both the quantity and quality of water resources. Nearly 10 million Europeans currently lack access to safe drinking water, and the agriculture sector, the largest water user, faces increasing water scarcity.

These challenges not only threaten public health but also undermine Europe’s economic competitiveness. In fact, the 2020 Global Water Report by CDP found that the cost of water risks to businesses could be five times higher than the cost of investing in solutions to mitigate these risks.

For industries like hydrogen production, which are essential for Europe’s green energy transition, water is critical. Producing hydrogen requires large quantities of ultrapure water, making it essential to implement water-smart technologies to ensure the industry’s long-term viability and contribute to water resilience.

Fragmented Water Policies: Time for a Paradigm Shift

Despite having some of the most advanced water legislation globally, the EU’s water policies remain fragmented and often lack proper integration into broader sectoral policies. Delayed implementation and insufficient funding further hinder progress. As a result, water issues are often left out of crucial decision-making processes.

The ECI advocates for a paradigm shift at the European level, calling for the integration of water concerns into all aspects of policy and practice. This includes incorporating water sustainability into industries’ transition pathways, agriculture, urban development, and energy production.

The EU Blue Deal: A Path Forward

The Declaration for an EU Blue Deal proposes a comprehensive approach to address Europe’s water challenges. By establishing a platform for institutional, stakeholder, and citizen engagement, the Blue Deal aims to elevate water sustainability alongside the EU’s Green Deal, which focuses on carbon neutrality.

The ECI also highlights the need for a sector-specific approach to reducing water consumption. While some industries may be able to quickly reduce their water footprint through innovative technologies, others may require longer timelines and additional support.

Raising Awareness and Promoting Stewardship

Public awareness and citizen involvement are key to the success of any water-smart strategy. The ECI calls for increased education on responsible water use and stewardship of aquatic environments. Recent campaigns like WaterWiseEU, launched by the European Commission, are positive steps in this direction but need to be followed by concrete political action.

Conclusion: A Water-Smart Future for Europe

The ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe is a call to action for EU policymakers, businesses, and citizens. It recognises that safeguarding Europe’s water resources is not only an environmental issue but also a socio-economic imperative. By integrating water resilience into all EU policies and prioritising innovative solutions, Europe can build a future where clean, safe water is available for all—while preserving ecosystems and supporting economic growth.

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