Without water, there is no life. We need to act immediately!

Fifty -five percent of Slovenes wants the EU to take several measures to solve water problems. This is the purpose of a new European water resistance strategy. We have taken water for granted for too long. Our waters are contaminated, floods and droughts are new normality, and increasing demand for water is overburdened by European water sources. The number of Europeans affected by water shortages has almost doubled over the last decade. Europe is an area with water stress. We must ensure that the demand for water will not exceed the supply.

Smart water management must become an integral part of our economy, so we need to start using it wisely. The rest of the world is inspired by the EU for inspiration and solutions, as water stress is a worldwide challenge. The EU therefore proposes a comprehensive water resistance strategy. It describes how Europe should handle water wisely, which will benefit people, our companies, competitiveness and our ecosystem. It is based on the principle of « effective use of water in the first place », which gives priority to reducing demand before increasing the offer. We will support countries when taking action at all levels and in all sectors to save water before they start using additional resources. Water is managed at many levels, and municipalities and regions are often most suitable for action.

This plan is based on a number of water laws and the world’s leading water sector. But we have to do more. First, we need to restore the interrupted water circuit and protect it, namely to ensure the health of our ecosystems so that we can naturally store and purify water, and reduce pollution and purify our already contaminated waters. In addition, we need to build an EU competitive and circular economy based on smart water management. In Europe, many innovative water technology companies are based, which holds 40 percent of patents for water technologies, but the potential for setting up more companies and creating new jobs in industries related to water is not yet used. We need to strengthen and use this potential at home and in world markets. We also need to provide clean and affordable water and sanitary arrangement for all. We all need clean water: citizens, businesses, industry and farmers.

These goals are interconnected. Healthy ecosystems protect our water cycle, which stimulates our economy while protecting us from climate change. The powerful water sector, which favors the effective use of water, circularity and innovation, is more competitive at the global level, while contributing to affordable and affordable water use services. With an advanced sanitary arrangement, wastewater is cleared before returning to nature, preserving ecosystems that protect the water circuit.

In order to achieve this, the water resistance strategy determines the set of tools that help Member States help with more efficient water management, while remaining simple.

Each country is in a different position. Water losses in Member States are eight to 57 percent. Slovenia invests a lot in improving wastewater treatment and modernizing water infrastructure. Despite EU funds intended for water, the investment gap is still large. The strategy will therefore also focus on mobilizing new public and private funds for upgrading infrastructure and new technologies. The options for improvement are enormous, especially with digitization.

All Member States need to make more effort to protect their water systems, address pollution, manage climate change and strengthen flood risk management. Some need to do more to update their water infrastructure. Countries should prioritize sectors that consume the most water or in which the highest savings are possible.

Europeans and Europeans have urged us to protect and restore our waters. With the water resistance strategy, we have received a plan for further action. Water is a public good and a common responsibility. Collaboration and fair distribution of the burden between water users along the water circuit are crucial and need to be improved in the future. Lower consumption of water at home seems like a drop into the sea. However, each drop counts. Together with structural changes in the method of use and evaluation of water in all sectors and countries, we can ensure that the offer will be in demand in the coming years. We all have to join forces so that we can re -conclude our water circle, stimulate our economy and provide clean water for everyone.

***

Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for the Environment, Resistance regarding water and a competitive circular economy.

The article is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily express the views of the editorial board.