Brussels – Access to clean water is increasingly under threat globally, and the European Union is responding with renewed focus on transboundary water resource governance and conflict prevention. European Parliament member Leoluca Orlando, as rapporteur for the Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted the escalating pressures on this essential resource, stemming from climate change, population growth, pollution, and the fact that over half of the world’s freshwater resources cross national borders. The issue, he stated, is no longer simply environmental, but a critical factor in international security, potentially fueling conflicts and even terrorism. The EU is now prioritizing a long-term investment in water governance to ensure social justice, rights, and sustainable development.
Orlando’s report, presented to the European Commission, underscores the risks associated with poor water management, which can exacerbate transnational conflicts. He cited the ongoing crisis in Chad and neighboring countries as a prime example, but emphasized that similar situations are unfolding in numerous regions worldwide. The report likewise points to instances where water is being weaponized and used as a tool of neocolonialism, specifically referencing the situation in Palestine. This growing concern over water security is prompting a re-evaluation of the EU’s foreign policy tools and a call for increased effectiveness in addressing these challenges.
The European Parliament’s focus on water governance comes as Europe itself faces increasing water stress. According to the European Environment Agency, nearly 30% of the EU territory experiences drought conditions each year. The EU is responding with a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges, aiming to repair the water cycle, reduce losses, improve water quality, and tackle the climate and infrastructure emergencies that contribute to water scarcity. This strategy, unveiled in June 2025, includes over 30 concrete actions and a commitment of €15 billion in investment by the European Investment Bank by 2027, as reported by eunews.it.
EU Strategy for Water Resilience
The European Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy, presented by Vice President Teresa Ribera and Commissioner Jessika Roswall, prioritizes five key areas: restoring the water cycle, building a “water smart” economy, ensuring clean and accessible water for all, accelerating innovation, and improving governance. Ribera emphasized that water is not an infinite, free, or always clean resource, and that a fundamental shift in how Europe manages this vital asset is necessary. The strategy aims to address not only scarcity and pollution but also the increasing risks of floods and droughts, issues that are no longer confined to isolated regions.
The need for a coordinated European approach is underscored by the fact that the number of Europeans affected by water scarcity has nearly doubled in the last decade. The strategy seeks to move beyond reactive measures and towards a proactive, preventative approach, recognizing that water security is essential for economic competitiveness, public health, and overall stability. The European Commission’s strategy page details the specific actions planned to achieve these goals.
Water as a Source of Conflict
Orlando’s report specifically highlights the link between water scarcity and conflict, drawing attention to the potential for instability in regions where access to water is limited or unevenly distributed. He noted that inadequate water management can contribute to transnational conflicts, citing examples beyond Chad, including various regions across Africa and the Middle East. The report argues that the EU has a responsibility to act, leveraging its foreign policy tools to promote sustainable water management practices and prevent water-related conflicts. The European Parliament’s report on European water policy further details these challenges and proposed solutions.
The EU’s strategy also acknowledges the broader context of the global water crisis, recognizing the impact of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. As highlighted by euronews.it, the Commission is seeking solutions to address the worsening water crisis in Europe, acknowledging the immense pressure on water resources.
Looking ahead, the success of the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy will depend on effective implementation and cooperation among member states. The focus will be on translating the outlined actions into concrete results, ensuring that investments are targeted effectively, and fostering innovation in water management technologies. Continued monitoring of water resources and proactive engagement in conflict prevention efforts will also be crucial to safeguarding this essential resource for future generations. What remains to be seen is how quickly and effectively the EU can mobilize resources and coordinate action to address this growing global challenge.
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