On June 4th 2025, the European Commission unveiled its long-anticipated Water Resilience Strategy. Sparked by the EU Blue Deal adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee in 2023 and fueled by the increasing frequency of droughts and intensifying water scarcity across the continent, the strategy offers a more integrated, forward-looking approach to water governance.
It builds on two decades of EU water legislation that has largely focused on improving water quality but has so far fallen short of addressing water quantity – a gap that has become increasingly unsustainable. The European Environment Agency’s 2024 State of Water report paints a sobering picture: one third of the EU’s territory is experiencing water stress, and over 40% of the population is exposed to water scarcity. These figures underscore an urgent need to rebalance Europe’s water priorities and build resilience across all sectors.
“Water is life”, the strategy’s opening words, set the tone for a stark yet necessary realisation: in Europe, water can no longer be taken for granted. As the continent increasingly feels the impacts of climate change and overexploitation of its water resources, EU must treat both water quality and quantity as equal priorities to ensure continuous supply of clean drinking water for households, in addition to the water needs of agriculture and industry.
The strategy arrives at a critical moment. But does it meet expectations?
As the European industry for water data management in buildings, here’s what we’ll be exploring.
The Water Resilience Strategy raises fundamental questions for citizens, policymakers, technology and service providers, and all stakeholders involved in Europe’s water future. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be taking a closer look at several of the strategy’s most relevant components, including:
- The EU’s First Water Efficiency Target: 10% Reduction by 2030
What does this target look like in practical terms, and how ambitious is it in light of rising demand and shrinking supply? - Smart Water Management as a Strategic Priority
How will digitalisation and data-driven tools – from smart metering to predictive analytics – reshape how we govern and distribute water? - Implementation Pathways: Funding, Initiatives, and Policy Forums
What mechanisms are in place to turn strategy into action? And how can the sector prepare for the next phase of investment and regulation?
The Water Resilience Strategy marks a shift in EU water policy. It brings greater focus to water quantity, alongside quality, and highlights the need for more efficient use, better data, and stronger coordination across sectors.
Cover photo from Mukesh Sharma, Unsplash.
