Blue Deal Accelerator – technology, skills and finance for a water positive future

Practical Information:

• Composition of the Study Group:
• Heli NIEMELÄ-FARRER (administrator)/Sara RACITI (assistant)
• Contact: e-mail

Background:

Water is increasingly recognised as a strategic resource for Europe’s economic security, industrial competitiveness and climate resilience, yet current policy and investment frameworks remain fragmented and insufficient to address growing water risks. Building on the EESC’s call for an EU Blue Deal, this opinion aims to support the transition from strategic commitment to implementation by identifying the key enabling conditions needed to accelerate water resilience across the EU. The opinion underscores that water is not merely an environmental or sectoral issue, but a cross-cutting strategic priority integral to Europe’s twin transitions and long-term resilience. 

The opinion will emphasise the strategic role of water technologies and digital innovation in the EU’s industrial and circular transition. It will contribute to the policy debate on the upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA) by advocating for the explicit recognition of water as a strategic resource, including wastewater reuse and the recovery of secondary raw materials, energy and nutrients. In parallel, the opinion will address coherence with the Industrial Accelerator Act, notably its decarbonisation dimension and the need to place the water transition on an equal footing with the green transition.

Equally important is developing the skills and knowledge to implement water-smart technologies and practices. The opinion will support the establishment of and make concrete recommendations concerning the European Water Academy, announced by the European Water Resilience Strategy, to address skills gaps, facilitate public-private partnerships and accelerate technology transfer.

Thirdly, the opinion will address financing as the foundational enabler of the transformation towards water resilience. The opinion will focus on mobilising private investment alongside EU public funding, with particular attention to the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).