Europe is facing a water crisis. Climate change and pollution, along with mismanagement, an ageing infrastructure and the lack of relevant skills challenge Europe’s water resources. This, in turn, has severe impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and energy.
Europe needs to build the appropriate know-how for better water management.
This is why the European Commission is launching today the European Water Academy, with the goal of addressing capacity gaps in Europe’s water sector and bringing together research and practice in support of a water-resilient future. It is a flagship action for water skills development under the remit of the European Water Resilience Strategy.
The Academy links organisations that generate knowledge with those who apply it. It is designed as a network of networks, recognising that skills, expertise and innovation can only be strengthened through collaboration across sectors and borders. It brings together know-how, skills, and tools for improving European water resilience by engaging all key stakeholders. This collaboration encompasses public authorities, universities, water professionals, research and technology organisations, water utilities, industry, and professional associations to deliver truly holistic solutions.
The First Champions of the European Water Academy
Eight partner organisations committed from the outset to provide high-quality training activities in different languages. These will build knowledge and skills in areas such as wastewater treatment, leak detection, pipe installation, drinking water production, and more.
These pioneering organisations are the First Champions of the Academy, who stepped up to support its development with the shared mission to promote knowledge exchange among stakeholders across the entire water value chain — from research and innovation to planning, operation, regulation, and implementation.
Looking ahead
Today’s launch marks the starting point of a European network enhancing the future of water management. In the coming weeks, the first champions of the Academy will announce the next training and skill-building activities and their timeline.
Directly before the Academy’s launch, the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform will convene its first meeting. The Platform brings together high-level experts from across the EU to help guide the Commission’s implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy.
Similarly, the revamped Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform will relaunch tomorrow, to continue supporting the European Commission in realising the objectives of the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Both are part of a series of stakeholder consultations taking place in September to advance the Water Resilience and Zero Pollution agendas.
Related links
Water Academy | Knowledge4Policy (K4P)
New European Water Academy launched to strengthen water resilience – Joint Research Centre
