The Parliament adopted its recommendations on the European Water Resilience Strategy, which the Commission is to present by summer 2025.
In its report, adopted by 470 votes to 81 with 92 abstentions, MEPs call for an ambitious strategy for the EU to manage water resources more effectively and respond better to current water-related challenges. The text states that water is not only essential for human life and health, but is also central to Europe’s economy, competitiveness and efforts to adapt to climate change.
Targets for efficient water use, pollution reduction and disaster preparedness
MEPs want the Commission to propose sectoral targets for efficient water use and water abstraction (the withdrawal of water from surface or groundwater sources) 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).
The Parliament wants climate change adaptation to be integrated into sectoral plans and policy measures affecting water use and land use, as well as into individual measures for regions facing particular challenges, such as the Mediterranean, island regions and the outermost regions. They add that mechanisms for preparedness and response to water-related emergencies, droughts and floods need to be significantly improved.
Funding and digital innovation
In addition, MEPs ask the Commission to allocate targeted funding to improve water resilience, backed by specific mechanisms within existing funds, for the modernisation of water infrastructure, sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and innovative water-saving technologies.
They call on the Commission to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, real-time leak detection, smart irrigation and new 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 for enhancing the cybersecurity of critical water infrastructure.
Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, Malta) 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.”
Pollution, habitat degradation, the effects of climate change and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting pressure on Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwater, with water stress affecting 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of its population every year. Only 39.5% of Europe’s surface water bodies have achieved good ecological status, and only 26.8% have achieved “good” chemical status in accordance with the implementation of EU water legislation.
