EU calls on associates to lessen water consumption

(MENAFN) The European Commission is preparing to urge all EU member states to reduce water consumption by at least 10% by 2030, according to a draft proposal obtained by the Financial Times. This would be the EU’s first formal directive aimed at cutting water use across the bloc.

The move comes in response to worsening droughts, depleted groundwater supplies, and extreme weather events — including wildfires and floods — that have caused extensive damage and pushed water reserves to record lows.

“We must rethink how we use water,” said EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, emphasizing the importance of everyday water-saving habits, such as shorter showers.

Southern European nations are already enforcing water restrictions, such as bans on refilling swimming pools. In Greece, the CEO of water utility Eydap warned that Athens could face a complete water shortage within two years if dry weather continues. Cyprus’ agriculture minister also cautioned that 2025 could mark the third year of drought, placing it among the worst periods for water reserves in 50 years.

In northern countries, Sweden has prohibited garden hose use in some regions, while water rights disputes have intensified in France and Spain, fueling tensions between farmers and environmental activists.

These proposed water-saving measures come in the wake of mass farmer protests last year, spurred by EU environmental policies, including pesticide restrictions and water use limits, in countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Poland.

The Commission’s draft plan also emphasizes the need to invest in repairing the EU’s aging water infrastructure. According to EurEau, around 25% of water is lost through leaks in the system — with losses reaching up to 60% in countries like Bulgaria. The Commission estimates that €23 billion ($26 billion) is needed each year for upgrades, while the European Investment Bank is preparing to offer €15 billion ($17 billion) in loans and guarantees between 2025 and 2027.

Currently, only 2.4% of water in the EU is reused, a figure the Commission aims to increase. Though the 10% reduction target is not legally binding, the Commission is encouraging member states to set their own targets and improve data collection. A recent climate report noted that only a few countries have implemented water resilience strategies.

This initiative follows earlier warnings from 2023 about rising water competition and the risk of cross-border disputes. The European Central Bank has also warned that water shortages could significantly impact the economy, with nearly 15% of the eurozone’s GDP at risk due to surface water scarcity.

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