Members of the European People's Party in the Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) held a debate on water resilience, calling for a place-based approach tailored to regional realities, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. They emphasized the importance of tackling pollution at the source, the essential role of local and regional authorities in implementing nature-based solutions, and the need for cross-border cooperation in Europe’s evolving water strategy.
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, underlined the importance of concrete action: "The strategy on paper is not enough. What we need now is implementation, coordination, and political resolve. Regions and local authorities are central. We deliver water services, manage floods and droughts, invest in infrastructure, and work daily with citizens and businesses." She identified two core objectives: restoring the water cycle by improving soil, forest, and wetland retention, and promoting a water-smart economy through reuse and efficiency. “This is a call to action for all levels of government—most importantly, for regions and cities.”
Mirjam Sterk, Regional Minister of the Province of Utrecht, , noted: "Our peatland regions face land subsidence due to climate change. These unique challenges require tailored policies. That’s why we support the strategy’s rejection of a one-size-fits-all approach."
She also advocated for banning PFAS, highlighting their cross-border impact: "As the Netherlands is Europe’s largest river delta, we suffer from upstream pollution. Solving it at the source is essential. The Commission must adopt a source-to-sea approach, especially on pollution."
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, Poland, shared her city’s success in implementing small-scale, nature-based solutions: “In Gdańsk we are faced with both droughts and floods. To respond, we have implemented nature-based solutions, such as requiring every new investment to include at least 30 square meters of rain gardens—small retention areas that help absorb and manage rainwater. Today, our city counts over 200 of these micro-projects, and this has earned us recognition.” She added “Without local government involvement, strategic climate crisis management is impossible. We must also invest in education and emergency services.”
Cristina Menéndez Álvarez, Director General for Cooperation with the State and the European Union in the Region of Madrid, shared her region’s experience in managing water during crisis situations: “Thanks to emergency management solutions, investments in hydropower infrastructure, and efficient water management, we in Madrid were able to maintain adequate water levels and avoid major incidents.”
Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region, emphasized the need of exchanging good practices: "Sweden, Finland, and Northern Europe have centuries of water system development. Their knowledge must be fully used at EU level. The Joint Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform is a great example of how to share expertise, co-chaired by the CoR and the Commission."
Åsa Ågren Wikström, councillor of Västerbotten Region, Sweden, welcomed the involvement of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in strategy development, while stressing the need for data: “Reliable data is fundamental for building genuine water resilience.”
Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz, Gozo, shared local initiatives to store water: "Our council is introducing a system to store water whenever we build new roads. This is an example of practical and local solutions.
Efstratios Charchalakis, Mayor of Kythira, Greece, called for EU support: “The EU must fund sustainability and water projects to respond to climate change. A binding framework for all parties is essential.”
Kristoffer Tamsons from Stockholm Region made a passionate plea for rethinking water governance: "Water is not just a utility—it's a strategic asset. Building resilience demands investment, but also cross-level coordination, smart regulation, and strong public-private partnerships. We must prepare for the unexpected."