In a pivotal keynote speech delivered at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg, European Commissioner for Environment, Water, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, laid bare the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to water security across the European Union. This call to action comes at a critical juncture as Europe grapples with escalating challenges in water quality and quantity. The forthcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, which Roswall is spearheading, aims to tackle these pressing issues head-on.
Roswall’s appointment by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last September underscores the strategic importance of water in the EU’s broader economic and environmental agenda. The new strategy is set to address water efficiency, scarcity, pollution, and related risks, all while enhancing the competitive edge of Europe’s water industry. The focus on clean technology, a circular economy, and digital water management signals a paradigm shift in how the EU views its water resources.
The urgency of Roswall’s message was amplified by her observations on the current climate realities. She pointed out the prolonged drought affecting parts of the Mediterranean since 2021, juxtaposed with the heavy rains and flash floods that have plagued several EU member states throughout 2024. This duality of water-related crises is not just a hiccup; it’s a wake-up call. “The cost of managing water-related disasters amounts to billions every year,” she stated, emphasizing the financial stakes involved in water management.
Roswall made it clear that water issues must ascend the political agenda. “I think the time has come to firmly put water on the political agenda,” she asserted, linking the health of Europe’s water systems to the success of its industrial and digital strategies. This connection is crucial; access to clean freshwater is as vital to economic growth as affordable energy.
Moreover, Roswall highlighted the EU’s potential to lead globally in water technology. With 40% of the world’s patents for water management originating in Europe, the continent is poised to be at the forefront of innovations like sustainable desalination and advanced water treatment processes. “We should be proud of the fact that 40 percent of the patents for water management are made in the EU,” she noted, presenting a vision for a future where Europe not only addresses its water challenges but also sets the standard for the rest of the world.
The multifaceted objectives of the upcoming strategy reflect a holistic approach to water management. Roswall plans to tackle issues such as preserving water quality and quantity, repairing the broken water cycle through a source-to-sea approach, and enhancing the competitive edge of the water industry. The emphasis on innovative financing, including mobilizing private capital, indicates a recognition that traditional funding mechanisms may not suffice to meet the ambitious goals set forth.
With her optimistic outlook, Roswall concluded, “Together, we can ensure a more sustainable and resilient water future for Europe and beyond.” This statement encapsulates the collaborative spirit needed to navigate the complexities of water management in a rapidly changing world. The implications of her speech are profound; as Europe prepares to unveil its Water Resilience Strategy, the stakes have never been higher. The future of Europe’s water security hinges on the actions taken today, and Roswall’s vision could very well shape the landscape of water management for generations to come.
