Commission launches dialogues with member states to ensure sustainable water management across Europe

The outcomes of the dialogues will represent a considerable step towards achieving water resilience in the EU.   

As part of the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the Commission is launching a series of Structured Water Dialogues with member states, to jointly accelerate action to achieve the environmental objectives of EU water legislation.  

According to the latest report on the state of water in the EU, only 39.5% of EU surface water bodies are achieving good ecological status, and only 26.8% achieving good chemical status.

The report found that, while some advancements have been made towards reaching EU targets for water quality, quantity and flood preparedness, faster progress is needed across Europe to protect waters and better manage flood risks. 

Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Commissioner Jessika Roswall, said:

“We know what water challenges we are facing across Europe, but now is the time to listen and engage with each other to solve them. These dialogues are an opportunity for collaboration, where every voice can contribute to shaping effective solutions. Together, we are committed to achieving our shared objectives for water, ensuring a water-resilient future for all.”

The dialogues aim to assist member states in complying with the country-specific recommendations to improve water management by 2027, formulated in the context of the latest assessment of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the Floods Directive, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.   

The Dialogues, to be conducted between 2025-2027 with each member state, will involve preparatory technical meetings between the Commission and national administrations and will culminate in a political discussion led by Commissioner Roswall and the relevant Minister(s) responsible for water management.   

The outcomes of these dialogues will represent a considerable step towards achieving water resilience in the EU.   

Background 

The EU's water resources face significant pressure from unsustainable land use, hydro-morphological changes, pollution, climate change, increased water demand, urbanisation, and growing populations. 

The European Water Resilience Strategy aims to address these challenges by restoring and protecting the water cycle, securing clean and affordable water for all, and creating a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy in Europe.  

Improving governance and implementing the solid body of EU water laws is a key objective of the Strategy. The comprehensive strategy will support member states in managing water more efficiently, both through the implementation of current EU water legislation and through over 30 targeted actions. Member states, regions and municipalities, but also citizens and businesses, are the key actors of water resilience. 

The EU's Water Framework Directive requires member states to ensure that all surface water (lakes, rivers, transitional and coastal waters) and groundwaters achieve good quality status by 2015. This deadline can be postponed to 2027 under certain conditions. 

The Floods Directive requires member states to identify and map areas prone to flooding and develop plans to minimise risk and potential damage through Flood Risk Management Plans.

More information 

Water Resilience Strategy Actions Tracker | European Commission

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