The EESC calls on the EU to focus on water as a driver for peace and stability. In turn, empowering young people, women and indigenous and local communities will lead to greater water security. The EESC's Declaration for an EU Blue Deal therefore calls for water management to be acknowledged as a key concern across all sectors and mainstreamed into all policies.
European Consumer Day 2024 stressed the need for sustainable water management, improved infrastructure and consumer education to make sure water remains affordable to all Europeans
stresses that young people, women, and indigenous and local communities (including migrants and people with disabilities) are the most vulnerable to water stress and have a large untapped potential for contributing to sustainable water management, for turning water into an instrument of peace and stability, and, thus, for contributing to blue diplomacy;
calls on the EU to pay due attention to these groups in its external relations and international cooperation and suggests a lighthouse partnership programme related to water stress for addressing how to empower them in an integrated manner;
notes that access to clean water, education, employment and participation in policymaking are key elements of empowerment;
reaffirms that blue and digital technologies are instrumental for improving water management and access to clean water and sanitation.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has renewed its call for a dedicated ‘EU Blue Deal’ in the form of a new opinion on water resilience and industrial development, adopted just ahead of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of a Water Resilience Strategy. Europe’s industrial future hinges on water, and a recent Eurobarometer reveals Europeans overwhelmingly support stronger action on water issues.
On 26 October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) 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. Read EESC President Oliver Röpke's Declaration for an EU Blue Deal.
Adopting a human rights approach to water management, boosting investments in infrastructure and technologies, introducing water consumption labels and price restructuring are among the key recommendations of the six EESC opinions on water adopted at its July plenary. They make up the first wave of EESC proposals for a comprehensive water policy for Europe under its Blue Deal initiative. On 26 October, the EESC will present its Call for an EU Blue Deal to the EU institutions and stakeholders.
On 13 April 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a public hearing to address the pressing issue of water poverty and its implications on social policy. The event brought together water experts and stakeholders to mitigate the effects of water poverty, particularly on vulnerable communities. The hearing is part of the EESC's efforts to put water at the top of the EU agenda through a call for an "EU Blue Deal."
As water scarcity and pollution continue to pose global challenges, the current EU policy framework seems insufficient. To address this, top-level water experts gathered on 27 February at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to identify possible solutions. The hearing marks the beginning of the EESC's work on water. The Committee is preparing a set of own-initiative opinions examining the economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical aspects of water and, in the autumn, will share civil society's recommendations for the future of water in the EU.
As part of the preparation of the EESC opinion on an EU Strategy for Islands, the European Economic and Social Committee, in cooperation with INSULEUR, will hold a public hearing in Syros, at the heart of the Cyclades. The hearing aims to bring together local and regional authorities, organised civil society, businesses, academia and citizens to exchange views on both the challenges and the untapped opportunities facing Europe's islands. Beyond discussing issues such as connectivity, demographic change, access to services and climate resilience, the event will highlight the unique assets of islands like Syros, including their strategic location, cultural heritage, blue economy potential, innovation capacity, renewable energy opportunities and sustainable tourism. The insights gathered will contribute directly to the EESC opinion by ensuring that the voices, experiences and aspirations of island communities are reflected in future EU policies and in the implementation of the first European Strategy for Islands which was adopted in June 2026.
rue Belliard 101, Jacques Delors building, room JDE 63, 9:30-11:00
Brussels
Belgium
EESC, room JDE 63, 9:30-11:00
The policy debate brings together stakeholders to assess how National and Regional and Partnership Plans will work in practice. In a workshop setting connected to the European Economic and Social Committee, participants from civil society, social partners and institutions will exchange perspectives on transparency, inclusiveness and impact. The discussion aims to highlight gaps, share best practices and strengthen the role of organised civil society in shaping and monitoring the implementation of NRPPs in the EU.
