Environment Committee MEPs adopt water resilience strategy

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has backed new ideas to help the EU better manage its water resources.

With 68 votes in favour, six against, and 13 abstaining, the committee has laid out a vision for a stronger and smarter European Water Resilience Strategy.

Thomas Bajada, the Maltese MEP leading the report, called for urgent action.

“Water efficiency, a ban on harmful PFAS chemicals, proper funding, and digital innovation should be the heart of this strategy,” he said. “Water isn’t just a resource, it’s key to our independence, our economy, and our everyday lives. No region should be left behind.”

The report recommends setting clear goals to improve how water is used and saved, especially in areas most at risk. This includes encouraging the reuse of wastewater, saving more water in agriculture and buildings, and making industrial processes more efficient.

The full European Parliament will vote on the report will be held between 5–8 May. This push for a new water strategy follows promises from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Jessika Roswall, who have said water resilience will be a top priority in the EU’s plans for 2025.

The MEPs want the EU to phase out “forever chemicals” like PFAS from everyday products and to tighten rules on PFAS levels in drinking water. They also raised alarms about pollution from medicine, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics, pesticides, and fertilisers, all of which pose risks to both the environment and human health.

According to MEPs, a special EU fund focused on water resilience will be created, with the money going toward updating infrastructure, using nature-based solutions, and supporting new water-saving technologies.

They highlighted that, “special support would be given to regions facing the biggest water challenges, like islands, the Mediterranean, and Europe’s outermost areas.”

They also stressed that countries need to work together. The MEPs believe stronger cooperation across Europe is key to building a shared, united approach.

Digital tools are another part of the plan. MEPs support using smart systems like AI, real-time leak detection, and better data collection to help governments make faster and smarter decisions about water. These technologies could make water use across the EU much more efficient.

By approving these proposals, MEPs have made one thing clear: “Europe must act now to protect its water, for today and for future generations.”