In developing a specific strategy for water management and dealing with the very serious consequences of the water shortage, says the executive vice-president of the European Commission, Maros Sefkovits, in response to a question from the ND MEP, Dimitris Tsiodra. Strategy, which will aim, among other things, to support the member states in their efforts.

Specifically, as he notes, “recently, in the framework of the political guidelines of the president-elect (of the European Commission), an initiative on water resilience was announced, which aims, among other things, to support member states in their efforts to combat the very serious consequences of water scarcity”.

It underlines that “this strategy will build on a strong acquis in the water sector and will also complement a wealth of ongoing activities to assess drought severity, measure drought impacts and predict future drought risks ».

The responsible commissioner also adds that “in terms of financing needs, there are EU funds to provide financial support for water-related investments” and that between 2021 and 2027, around €13 billion of funds of cohesion policy will be invested in water management.

At the same time, in the framework of the “Horizon Europe” program, the commissioner characterizes the “partnership for the security of the planet’s water resources” and the “partnership in the field of research and innovation in the Mediterranean region (PRIMA), together with the mission to restore our oceans and waters by 2030 and the mission to adapt to climate change.”

In addition, he emphasizes that “within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is available financial support to support farmers in implementing the mandatory requirements deriving from the Water Framework Directive and for investments to improve irrigation infrastructure”, while incentives are provided “for sustainable agricultural practices, including the development of solutions against water scarcity that are based on nature’.

Mr. Tsiodras to his question, he pointed out that, according to a relevant report of the European Environment Agency, “about 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of the population face severe pressure or lack of water resources” and that “the economic cost is estimated at 9 billion. euros per year”. Something that, according to the ND MEP, “makes the need for a holistic approach, which includes all water resources, ecosystem protection, human consumption, agriculture, industry and tourism, unimaginable”.

For these reasons, he asked the European Commission about what it intends to do to ensure the availability and security of water reserves and with the financial tools for the required investment needs for water supply, but also the financing of research and development activities new technologies to address the problem.