Europe’s waters: key challenges and EU solutions

Article 02-05-2025 - 14:48 20250428STO28142 Europe’s waters: key challenges and EU solutions From water scarcity to pollution and climate risks - uncover the key issues concerning Europe’s waters and the Parliament’s proposals for water policy. Water is an essential resource - not only for public health, the environment and its and ecosystems, but also for energy production, agriculture and food security. Important as it is, water is not an infinite resource and must be protected from pollution and over-exploitation. Complex water challenges affect millions of people across Europe. Issues such as scarcity, pollution, and the growing risks from floods and droughts are no longer confined to isolated regions. The European Parliament’s environment committee has put forward ambitious proposals to Directorate General for Communication European Parliament Contact: webmaster@europarl.eu 1 I 6 mitigate these water challenges in a report on the European water resilience strategy. The report is expected to be voted on in plenary at the start of May 2025. Water scarcity in Europe: impact and solutions A shortage of water resources is one of the most pressing issues facing Europeans. Up to 34% of the EU’s population and 40% of its territoryfaced seasonal water scarcity in 2022. In Southern Europe, up to 70% of the population endure water shortages during the summer months. Directorate General for Communication European Parliament Contact: webmaster@europarl.eu 2 I...