Empowering Just and Unified Co-creative Solutions for Water Resilience in Europes Future

Cofinanciado por:

Acronym | JUST-Water

Project title | Empowering Just and Unified Co-creative Solutions for Water Resilience in Europes Future

Project Code | 101270630

Main objective | Climate change and rapid population growth are exerting increasing pressure on Europe s renewable freshwater resources, jeopardising both ecological stability and socioeconomic security. Over the last two decades, the EU- 27 has made notable strides in decoupling water use from economic growth, cutting total water abstraction by 19% while the economy grew by 59%. This demonstrates advancements in water efficiency and economic resilience. Nevertheless, these gains are being threatened by the intensifying impacts of climate change, such as more frequent and severe droughts and floods, especially in southern Europe. These regions face persistent water demand from agriculture and higher temperatures, stressing the water supply. The effects are already tangible: 34% of EU land now endures seasonal water scarcity, agricultural productivity in southern Europe is increasingly at risk, and flood dangers are projected to escalatepotentially affecting five times as many Europeans by mid-century- leading to annual economic losses of tens of billions of euros. Gaps in water governance and coordination among climate mitigation, risk management, and adaptation policies worsen these issues. Recognising these challenges, the EU has established a solid policy foundation with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). The recent European Water Resilience Strategy (2025) advances this effort, emphasising water as a vital element of the EU's climate adaptation strategy and aligning with global commitments like UN SDG 6 and the Paris Agreement. Alongside the European Green Deal's goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and the EU Mission on Adaptation supporting 150 regions by 2030, these initiatives chart a resilient path forward. Still, rising calls for an EU Blue Deal underscore the urgent need for targeted strategies to address water scarcity and flood risks directly. Strengthening Europe s water resilience is, therefore, essential not only for environmental reasons but also for economic stability, food security, and social wellbeing. This proposal outlines strategic measures to safeguard Europe's water future, foster innovation, and enable coordinated regional and sectoral action.

Region of intervention | Portugal

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