On 26 October, the European Economic and Social Committee unveiled its plan for a comprehensive EU water strategy. The EESC is leading the way as the first European institution to take concrete steps to address the water crisis. Its proposals include: water consumption labels, a Blue Transition Fund, water conditionality in EU fund and a dedicated EU Commissioner for water.

The cost of inaction on water is estimated to be up to five times higher than taking action, putting businesses at a significant financial disadvantage. Europe has a unique opportunity to turn water challenges into opportunities for technological development, societal progress and business growth. However, the current fragmented approach is inadequate in addressing water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.

EESC President Oliver Röpke presented a political declaration with a set of principles and concrete actions to make the Blue Deal a reality. "Water is THE priority", Röpke said, "We need to learn from the mistakes that have been made with climate, energy and critical raw materials, and adopt a standalone water strategy that's on an equal footing with the EU Green Deal."

Member of the European Parliament, Pernille Weiss, endorsed the call for action, highlighting the necessity of true water resilience in the EU. Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, commended the EESC's water initiative, placing freshwater management in the European spotlight.

The EESC aims to intensify pressure on EU institutions and Member States for an integrated water strategy ahead of the European Commission's Water Resilience initiative in 2024. It will also work on additional opinions examining specific aspects of the Blue Deal.

Mariana Mazzucato, co-chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, warned that neglecting the water crisis hinders progress on climate change and Sustainable Development Goals. UN Special Rapporteur Pedro Arrojo-Agudo emphasised water as a common good, requiring democratic governance based on sustainability and human rights.

The Committee stresses the EU's role in addressing the global water crisis, with plans to advocate for international action on water-related issues at COP28 in December. (gb)