In their report, adopted with 470 votes in favour, 81 against and 92 abstentions, MEPs want an ambitious strategy for the EU to manage its water resources more efficiently and respond better to current water-related challenges. The text says water is not only essential to people’s lives and health, but also central to Europe’s economy, competitiveness, and climate adaptation efforts.
Water efficiency targets, reducing pollution and improving disaster preparedness
MEPs want the Commission to propose sectoral targets for water efficiency and water abstraction (taking water from a surface or underground source) based on risk assessments.
The EU needs to do more to reduce water pollution from pharmaceuticals, chemical pesticides and fertilisers, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics and chemicals, and to phase out so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS).
Parliament wants climate adaptation to be integrated into sectoral plans and policy measures affecting water and land use, as well as tailored measures for regions facing unique challenges, such as the Mediterranean, island areas and outermost regions. Preparedness and crisis response mechanisms for water scarcity, drought and floods must be significantly improved, they add.
Dedicated funding and digital innovation
Additionally, MEPs are asking the Commission to make dedicated funding available for water resilience, supported by specific mechanisms within existing funds, to modernise water infrastructure, sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and innovative water-efficient technologies.
They urge the Commission to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, real-time leak detection, smart irrigation, and emerging technologies that improve water efficiency. They also stress the importance of digital tools for transparent data collection, monitoring and early warning systems, as well as improving cybersecurity of critical water infrastructures.
Quote
Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT) said: “Our people – our families, farmers, and businesses – deserve clean, secure, and affordable water. That means moving from promises to real, binding action. We cannot afford to treat water as infinite. That is why this report calls for enforceable water efficiency and abstraction targets – sector by sector, basin by basin. We call for a strong EU-wide response to pollution, including the full phase-out of PFAS wherever safe alternatives exist. Because these “forever chemicals” have no place in a sustainable future. We must also invest in solutions that work: modern irrigation, smart recycling systems, real-time monitoring, and infrastructure that prevents leaks before they happen. These are not luxuries – they are the tools we need to protect our health, our food systems, and our future.”
Next steps
The Commission is expected to adopt the European Water Resilience Strategy before the summer, according to its 2025 work programme.
Background
Pollution, habitat degradation, impacts of climate change, and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting pressure on Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwaters, with water stress affecting 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of the population every year. Only 39,5% of Europe’s surface water bodies achieved good ecological status and only 26.8% achieved ‘good’ chemical status under the implementation of EU’s water legislation.
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