Regions call for stronger local role in EU water resilience strategy

The Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted the draft opinion ‘Turning the Tide – A Local and Regional Roadmap for Water Resilience’ on 5 December. This opinion argues that regions and cities must play a central role in implementing the EU’s water resilience strategy. The document was prepared by co-rapporteurs CoR-president Kata Tüttő the deputy mayor of Budapest and Juanma Moreno, first vice-president of the CoR and president of Andalusia.

Together with the European Commission, the European Economic Social Committee (EESC) and he CoR hosted the first EU Water Resilience Forum in Brussels. President Tüttő spoke at the opening together with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera and Commissioner for Environment Jessica Roswall. CoR President Kata Tüttő stated in a Press Release on the CoR website that water resilience measures must be socially fair and affordable, particularly for vulnerable households, economic sectors highly dependent on water, and regions experiencing water stress. “Local and regional leaders striving to safeguard their territories face mounting pressures: droughts, floods, failing infrastructure, pollution, and deepening inequality. To build true resilience, we need sufficient funding, inclusive decision-making, and accountability at every level. One of the closing remarks of Tüttő at the water resilience forum was ‘it takes time to do things quickly.’

Water challenges occur regionally and locally

The CoR draft opinion notes that water scarcity and floodings require a stronger focus on local and regional measures, because most water challenges and responsibilities are located at sub-national level. The CoR stresses that effective implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the new Water Resilience Initiative depends on the capacity of regions, municipalities and water operators to adapt infrastructure, update planning rules and investments in nature-based solutions.

Lack of funding

A key concern is the lack of resources. Many local authorities face shortages of funding, staff and technical expertise. The CoR calls for a simplified and more accessible EU financing landscape, including a dedicated Water Resilience Facility with technical assistance for smaller municipalities. According to the opinion, the current fragmentation between cohesion funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, LIFE and Horizon programmes slows down investment in water infrastructure and monitoring systems.

Preventive measures are most cost-efficient

The opinion places strong emphasis on the restoration of the water cycle. Regions and cities are encouraged to integrate water resilience in spatial planning, reduce soil sealing, invest in green infrastructure and promote water reuse in agriculture and industry. The CoR underlines that preventive actions, such as wetland restoration or groundwater recharge, are more cost-efficient than large scale grey infrastructure.

Moreno highlighted that southern regions such as Andalusia are already facing prolonged drought and structural water scarcity. He stressed that a European strategy must reflect geographical differences and support the regions that are most exposed to climate impacts. Tüttő pointed out that cities need stronger tools to address both droughts and urban flooding, which often occur within the same metropolitan areas.

Collaboration across all levels of governance

With this opinion, the CoR aims to secure a formal role in shaping and implementing the EU water resilience strategy. The institution calls for closer cooperation between the European Commission, the European Parliament and regional and local governments to ensure that water resilience becomes a strategic priority across all levels of governance.

Launch of Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform

The European Commission is initiating the creation of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, a new informal expert group that will bring together stakeholders and local and regional authorities to support implementation of priority actions under the Water Resilience Strategy. The Platform will offer guidance on climate-resilient investment, industrial water efficiency, digital innovation, and urban water resilience. The call for interest to join this expert group will open in early 2026.