Juanma Moreno, President of Andalucía and Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), has been appointed by the ENVE Commission as rapporteur for the opinion on “The local and regional perspective for enhancing water resilience.” Kata Tüttő, President of the CoR, will serve as co-rapporteur on this important file.
The EU Water Resilience Strategy, presented by Commissioner Jessika Roswall on 4 June 2025, aligns with the EU’s 2050 vision unveiled at the 2023 UN Water Conference and constitutes a key priority in President von der Leyen’s 2024–2029 Political Guidelines. Acknowledging that water is essential for life, the strategy addresses mounting threats to water security, including increasing demand, pollution, and climate-induced risks such as droughts and floods.
The strategy aims to strengthen water governance; improve infrastructure and promote digitalisation; support research and innovation; foster public-private investment; and enhance international cooperation. Its ultimate goal is to ensure clean, affordable, and sustainable water for all. Implementation will include biannual Water Resilience Forums, starting in December 2025, bringing together stakeholders from all governance levels, business, and civil society to monitor progress and exchange best practices.
Water resilience is not only crucial for public health and ecosystems—it also presents a significant economic opportunity, with Europe already a global leader in water technology and innovation. The CoR opinion will examine the European Commission’s proposal through the lens of local and regional authorities, taking into account their competences and responsibilities.
The CoR is expected to host a debate on water resilience with Commissioner Jessika Roswall, responsible for environment, water resilience, and a competitive circular economy, during its next plenary session.
Earlier this year, the EPP-CoR Group held a dedicated debate on water resilience, calling for urgent action and innovation to confront Europe’s escalating water crisis. - EPP-CoR members call for urgent action and innovation to address Europe’s escalating water crisis | EPP Group in the CoR
Next Steps in the ENVE Opinion Process:
- Exchange of views at the ENVE Commission: 2 October 2025
- Adoption of the draft opinion at the ENVE Commission: 5 December 2025
- Adoption at the CoR Plenary Session: 4–5 March 2026
