As Europe faces increasing threats from drought and water scarcity, local and regional leaders of the European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) came together today to call for a coherent and ambitious European Water Resilience Strategy. The debate, titled “Drought: The Hidden Crisis in Europe’s Water Scarcity” held during a group meeting, highlighted the growing pressure on local authorities and the urgent need for coordinated, future-proof solutions across all regions.
Water Resilience as a European Priority
Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group who opened the debate, emphasised the essential nature of water for health, the economy, and the environment: "Local and regional authorities are on the frontline of water management, but to act effectively, we need stronger powers, proper resources, and a long-term, joined-up strategy. The EPP has rightly made water resilience a priority. Now, we call on the European Commission to propose a European Water Resilience Strategy to secure access to water, improve sustainability, and boost innovation in the sector."
Local Experience: A Catalyst for European Strategy
Jan Zámečník, Member of the Regional Assembly of South Moravia, underlined that combating drought was one of the key reasons for his engagement in the CoR: “In South Moravia, we are already seeing a consistent trend of rising temperatures. To mitigate the impact of drought, we must invest in robust water infrastructure and launch strategic projects. We need a European platform for drought-affected regions to advocate for targeted funding and long-term support.”
Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz (Gozo), highlighted the unique vulnerability of island territories: "Islands like Gozo are particularly exposed to prolonged dry seasons, affecting both agriculture and citizens' daily life. We need direct EU support for local initiatives like rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, which although small in scale, have real impact."
Eleni Lukaidou, Member of Nicosia local council supported these statements and underlined the urgency of action:"We must deal with climate change seriously and without delay—there is no time to waste. The clock is ticking, and the consequences are already here."
Innovation and Nature-Based Solutions
Mirjam Sterk, Regional Minister of Utrecht, stressed the importance of adapting to new climate realities: "Drought is a new challenge for us. That’s why we are investing in nature-based solutions and have set the goal that by 2028, every municipality in our region must have at least one drought-adapted neighbourhood including removal of tiles and water retention infrastructure. It’s not just about techniques; it’s also about involving social and economic actors in the transition."
Farmers on the Frontline
Frank Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole, warned against the silent spread of drought: "Drought is a slow and discreet enemy, eating away at our farming year by year. We are in a race against time. It is vital to reuse rainwater, modernise local networks, and generalise solutions across Europe—with strong support through cohesion funds."
Zitelli Ferrari, representing Murcia, brought attention to the pioneering role of Mediterranean regions: "Murcia suffers from chronic water scarcity but leads in the reuse of treated water and efficient irrigation technologies. We need policies that redistribute water resources and scale up such innovations across all regions."
Pablo Gustavo Broseta Dupré, Vice-Minister of the Region of Valencia, called for inclusive, integrated governance: "We must move away from the idea that water scarcity is just a Southern European problem. In Valencia, 90% of water for human use comes from recycling. Southern expertise must be at the heart of Europe’s water strategy."
Patrik Schwarcz-Kiefer, Member of the County Council of Baranya Vármegye from Hungary reminded participants that water problems also stem from human decisions: "In Hungary, it is not only climate change but also poor planning decisions that have led to desertification. These mistakes must inform future EU water governance."