Reaction to the European Water Resilience Strategy – a BusinessEurope position paper

Introduction

In June 2025, the European Commission published the European Water Resilience Strategy (WRS). BusinessEurope welcomes the European Commission’s efforts to advance a more resilient and future-proof approach to water management and supports the overall ambition of the strategy. Water is undeniably essential for both environmental sustainability and industrial competitiveness, and the growing pressures from climate change demand coherent and forward-looking policy responses. In this regard, the WRS rightfully places emphasis on innovation, competitiveness, and the recognition of water as a critical industrial resource.

At the same time, it is essential that the EU’s water policy framework evolves in a manner that is responsive to operational realities, respects the principle of subsidiarity, and provides greater regulatory clarity. In light of the uncertainty that industry is facing, it must ensure that legislation does not impose extensive bureaucratic obligations and introduce disproportionate costs. While the WRS marks progress in several areas, there remain aspects that require more balanced, coordinated, and industry-informed approaches.

BusinessEurope remains committed to working with European policymakers to ensure that EU water policy reinforces both environmental stewardship and Europe’s long-term economic resilience.Comparing the WRS with BusinessEurope key recommendations published last May, this paper outlines where the WRS gets it right, where further improvements are needed and where certain elements are missing.