In June 2025, the European Commission adopted the Water Resilience Strategy in response to escalating pressures on Europe’s water systems. The aim of the Water Resilience strategy is to restore the disrupted water cycle to ensure water security, promote sustainable water use, and enhance resilience across sectors and regions.
Belgium is also facing significant pressure. Due to its high water consumption, Belgium is considered as under high risk of water-stress and climate change is intensifying the situation. Longer periods of drought are increasingly alternated with extreme rainfall events.
The strategy offers a much-needed framework focusing on three key objectives: restoring and protecting water resources, building a water-smart economy, and ensuring clean, affordable water for all. It promotes nature-based solutions, integrated water management, digital monitoring tools, and improved governance across borders.
For this, the strategy builds on the effective implementation of the EU water acquis and related policies (eg. CER Directive), together with the achievement of additional flagship actions
The real challenge now lies in turning this strategic vision into concrete, well-funded, and enforceable action.