Water resilience requires stronger cooperation, recognition of access to affordable water as a universal right, and a more effective multilateral framework. The EESC brought together civil society actors to help shape the EU’s contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference. 

‘Water is not just an environmental issue, but also a key element of industrial policy, agriculture, economic growth and competitiveness’, stressed Alain Coheur, President of the EESC’s Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) and EESC Blue Deal Coordinator. ‘Our ambition must not stop at the EU’s border’.

Participants called for access to clean and affordable water to be recognised as a universal human right and for water resilience to be considered across all EU policies, from industry and agriculture to climate and biodiversity. They also supported an EESC-proposed ‘water test’ to assess the impact of new initiatives on water resources, efficiency and resilience. 

The discussions highlighted the importance of involving civil society and local and regional authorities in shaping water policy. ‘There can be no European water resilience without strong local and regional action. This is why multi-level governance matters. Cities and regions are not merely implementing European policies; they are all essential partners in designing and delivering them’, said André Viola, European Committee of the Regions rapporteur on resilient water management. 

At international level, participants called for stronger accountability mechanisms, clearer follow-up to global commitments, and more effective multilateral governance. Marija Hanževački, EESC Vice-President for Communication, stressed that progress depends on cooperation between civil society, institutions, businesses and citizens. 

The EESC will bring civil society’s views to the UN Water Conference as part of the European Union’s delegation in December 2026. (lm/gb)