The EU’s Wake-Up Call on Water: Parliament Pushes Bold Action Ahead of Summer Strategy

As Europe grapples with escalating water stress and worsening climate impacts, the European Parliament has sent a clear message: water can no longer be treated as infinite. In a decisive plenary vote on May 7, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted recommendations for the European Commission’s upcoming Water Resilience Strategy, expected before summer 2025.

With 470 votes in favour, 81 against, and 92 abstentions, the adopted report lays the foundation for what could become the EU’s most ambitious water framework in decades. It targets efficiency, pollution control, funding, digital innovation, and stronger protections for vulnerable regions.

Why This Matters

Europe’s water systems are under serious pressure.According to EU data:

• 20% of EU territory and 30% of the population face water stress annually.

• Only 39.5% of surface water bodies meet “good” ecological status.

• Just 26.8% meet “good” chemical status under current EU water laws.

From pharmaceuticals and pesticides to PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”), Europe’s water quality is under siege. Add the impacts of drought, floods, and inefficient infrastructure, and it’s clear: the status quo is not sustainable.

What MEPs Are Calling For

Here’s a breakdown of the Parliament’s core recommendations:

1. Sectoral Water Efficiency & Abstraction Targets

MEPs want enforceable water efficiency targets across key sectors (agriculture, industry, urban use), as well as abstraction limits based on local risk assessments.

“Sector by sector, basin by basin” – that’s how we make water use sustainable,” said Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, Malta).

2. Pollution Crackdown

The report calls for stronger EU action to reduce:

• Pharmaceuticals and chemical residues

• Pesticides and fertilisers

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

• Microplastics

• PFAS – which MEPs say must be fully phased out wherever safer alternatives exist

3. Disaster Preparedness & Regional Support

MEPs want climate adaptation integrated into all water and land-use policies. Special attention should go to regions already under strain, such as:

• The Mediterranean

• Islands

• Outermost regions (e.g. overseas territories)

Preparedness for droughts, floods, and water scarcity must be scaled up with tailored local measures.

4. Dedicated Funding

The Parliament is urging the Commission to unlock specific funding for:

• Water infrastructure upgrades

• Sustainable water management

• Nature-based solutions (e.g. wetlands, green buffers)

• Innovative water-efficient technologies

5. Digital Innovation

New technologies will be central. MEPs back investment in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive management

• Real-time leak detection

• Smart irrigation

• Cybersecurity for water systems

• Data transparency and early warning tools

A Message From the Rapporteur

“Our people — our families, farmers, and businesses — deserve clean, secure, and affordable water,” said Thomas Bajada.“We must invest in solutions that work: smart recycling, modern irrigation, and infrastructure that prevents leaks before they happen. These aren’t luxuries — they are tools we need to protect our health, our food systems, and our future.”

What’s Next?

The European Commission is expected to release the full European Water Resilience Strategy before summer, as part of its 2025 work programme.

Stakeholders across public and private sectors — from municipalities to agribusiness, environmental NGOs to tech startups — will be watching closely to see whether the Commission takes up the Parliament’s call for bold, binding action.

Conclusion:Europe is waking up to its water crisis. This isn’t just about cleaner rivers or fewer droughts — it’s about climate resilience, public health, and long-term sustainability. As the continent prepares for another hot summer, the pressure is on to make water central to EU policymaking — not just in words, but in action.