Policy brief on EU water policies in times of climate extremes

In this joint policy briefing, the Living Rivers Europe coalition outlines practical recommendations for the Commission’s proposed EU Water Initiative. The briefing highlights how existing EU legislation, and centrally, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), is one of Europe’s strongest defences against worsening climate extremes, and one of the most powerful tools we have to both protect water resources and strengthen resilience across sectors.

At the same time, the paper identifies key gaps where additional EU action is needed. It argues that Europe’s water crisis is not a lack of legislation, but too often a lack of implementation, enforcement and policy coherence. To secure water for people, nature and the economy, the EU must both fully deliver on existing commitments and take targeted new measures to address growing climate risks.

The briefing offers an initial roadmap for policymakers seeking to turn the EU Water Initiative into a meaningful response to one of Europe’s defining challenges.