The European Commission is expected to formally call on member states to reduce water consumption by at least 10% by 2030, according to a plan to be presented next month.
The Financial Times writes that this is the first time the Commission has set a target for water efficiency, signaling its strong concern about the rapid depletion of groundwater reserves in Europe.
The 10% target will not be binding, but the Commission encourages member states to set their own national targets and invest in better data collection, which is currently largely lacking in the water sector. Some countries particularly affected by drought, such as Spain, have already set their own consumption limits and efficiency measures.
“ We need to think about how to use water more efficiently ,” European Environment Commissioner Jessica Rosvall told the Financial Times.
" Even when we shower, we have to think about this ," she emphasized.
The pressure on Europe's water system is now evident. Haris Sachinis, Executive Director of EYDAP, has repeatedly warned that Athens risks running out of water within the next two years if current hydrological conditions continue.
Meanwhile in Cyprus, 2025 marks the third consecutive period of drought and the eighth worst year for water reserves in the last 50 years, according to Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
In many areas of Southern Europe, such as Italy and Spain, water restrictions during the summer, including bans on filling swimming pools, have become common practice.
Meanwhile, the Commission's plan emphasizes the need for investments in pipes, pumps and treatment plants, as in many countries the rate of losses due to leaks is high, with a typical example being Bulgaria, which loses 60% of its water from the network every year.
The Commission estimates that €23 billion per year is needed for adequate financing of water infrastructure, while the European Investment Bank plans to make available a €15 billion loan and guarantee programme for the period 2025-2027.
At the same time, it is noted that only 2.4% of water is recycled each year in the EU, with the plan aiming to increase this percentage through the promotion of reuse technologies.
The new plan comes at a time when tensions over water rights are rising. In countries such as France and Spain, confrontations between farmers and environmental organizations over the construction of dams have sparked social backlash in recent years.
The Commission warns that increasing demand for limited water resources could lead to a " potential risk of conflicts within and between Member States ". " When we talk about water, it knows no borders ", the plan stresses.
The final draft text is expected to be officially submitted next month and may undergo changes before publication. (A2 Televizion)
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