Debate: Water scarcity and structural investments in access to water in the EU
Date: TUESDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Virginijus Sinkevičius
Language: EN

I would like to address one matter in particular about Mayotte. I think what is very clear, is that we must ensure access to water throughout the EU and in its most remote places. For example, the outermost regions of Mayotte is facing an unprecedented water crisis that has triggered a humanitarian crisis caused by the drought and the resulting lack of drinkable water. The Commission provides significant support to Mayotte for investment in water infrastructure under the European Regional Development Fund: in 2014-2020, EUR 20 million to reinforce drinking water networks, equipment, reservoirs and work on a dam. In 2021-2027, our investment in water will more than double to EUR 47.5 million. Dear colleagues, the approach that we recommend is proactive. It is based around preparedness, adaptation and keeping ecosystems healthy. We also need wider recognition that water is a public good. More must be done to deliver on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. And success will depend on our shared commitment to scale up action and funding. While it is our responsibility in the European Commission to establish the right framework conditions, Member States, regional and local authorities are at the forefront of implementation. It is through their actions that water is preserved as a precious resource and their willingness to act is essential – how willing they are to involve all stakeholders; how willing they are to support the Commission proposals for new legislation; how willing they are to direct investments in this key priority area, and how willing they are to improve the implementation of the existing rules. Member States are implementing integrated river basin management through the Water Framework Directive, and some have adopted drought management plans for vulnerable river basins. These practices must be promoted and improved in agriculture. This means more efficient use of water, wastewater reuse, soil management and vegetation cover, drought-resistant crops, and restoration of damaged areas. In energy and transport, it means preparing for disruptions to hydropower, power plant cooling and waterborne transport. And for drinking water, it means promoting leakage reductions or additional supply infrastructure at as a last resort. Adaptation solutions will be required in every aspect of life, in every sector and in the short, medium and longer term. Nature-based solutions are particularly well suited for climate resilience to water impact, and they must be upscaled. In the words of the proposed recast of the Urban Wastewater Directive, let us think nature-based first, and where that is not feasible, let us opt for hybrid green-grey solutions. But adaptation is only one part of this story. We must also be committed to climate mitigation. It is still possible to avoid the worst predictions for climate change. The Commission will continue contributing to research, guidance, promotion and support for good practices with a view to preventing and reducing the possible impacts of water scarcity and drought.  Our investments should be based on a comprehensive strategic vision, not on responding to one crisis after another in a piecemeal manner, and hence the need for a water resilience agenda. So your support for this agenda is fundamental.