EU business priorities on a future-proofed water policy

Key messages

• Water as a strategic asset. Water is essential for the economy and the successful implementation of key EU initiatives, but increasing pressure from climate change makes equitable access for all users more critical than ever.
• Subsidiarity in water management. Effective water management is primarily achieved at the local and regional levels. The EU should maintain its role of regulatory standards-setter and promote coordination among member states while respecting subsidiarity.
• High standards with greater flexibility. Strong water quality standards must be upheld, but a more pragmatic approach to the ‘one-out-all-out’ and ‘non-deterioration’ principles is needed to ensure a balanced and workable framework.
• Addressing fragmentation in EU water policy. Water management is currently governed by multiple EU legislations, leading to complexity and inefficiencies. The introduction of a structured rationalization of EU legislation should be considered.
• EU businesses as key solution providers. European businesses are at the forefront of water-related solutions and technologies. Their expertise should be leveraged to support sustainable and efficient water management.