EU-China talks set to define joint action on greater water resilience

The EU and China will look to define joint action on greater water resilience at the 3^rd EU-China Water Policy Dialogue in Brussels on Monday (Feb 2).

The meeting will be co-chaired by Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy and Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources of China. The two sides will express their readiness to continue their longstanding cooperation, uphold the multilateral system and jointly address global water challenges, such as water scarcity and water stress.

Water is a finite resource, and water scarcity is on the rise. In a complex geopolitical climate, global cooperation on water-related matters is vital as it can be a tool for peace, security and stability.

The High-Level Dialogue will take stock and look ahead at how best to build resilient, climate-proof water systems and societies, and how to safeguard them for future generations.

It will be an opportunity for leaders on both sides to discuss priorities and objectives for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference and align positions on key issues, notably the establishment of a regular inter-governmental process on water.

The EU-China Water Dialogue will be followed by the China-Europe Water Platform (CEWP)High-Level Conference, also hosted by Commissioner Roswall.

"Global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. This is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense, due to climate change. The good news is - solutions are available as our EU Water Resilience Strategy demonstrates.

I am happy that together with China we share a common understanding of the water pressures and a joint resolve to that we must work together to act on them globally."

Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy

Areas of cooperation

The EU and China stand ready to continue working together on global issues, such as climate-resilient river basin management, urban resilience to floods and droughts and water restoration.

During the High-Level Dialogue and the subsequent CEWP High-Level Conference, Commissioner Roswall will present the EU Water Resilience Strategy, and its three pillars: restoring and protecting the water cycle, building a water-smart economy and ensuring clean and affordable water for all.

Notably the 'water efficiency first principle' of the Strategy provides for targeted policy measures to address the increasing water stress. The principle encourages Member States to prioritise demand reduction and efficiency measures followed by water reuse, while increased supply should remain the last resort option.

Innovative approaches to resilience supported by the application of digital tools will also make a major part of the discussions between the two leaders. Scaling up digital solutions and innovative capacity could provide answers to the current water challenges.

Background

EU-China cooperation on water started in the mid-2000s and further evolved with the launch of the CEWP at the 6th World Water Forum in 2012. The Platform is coordinated by two Secretariats hosted by EU Member States - on a rotating basis - and by the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources (MWR).

In 2017, the EU and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding, stepping up cooperation on water with the establishment of the EU-China Water Policy Dialogue.

The European Water Resilience Strategy includes more than 50 actions aiming to enhance water resilience in Europe and beyond and rests on three pillars:

1. Restoring and protecting the water cycle
2. Building a water-smart economy in a way that supports EU competitiveness
3. Securing clean and affordable water and sanitation for all at all times

In accordance with the Strategy, the EU plans to increase partnerships with third countries to strengthen global water governance, increase investments in water infrastructure and innovative financing.

It will also support access for at least 70 million people to clean drinking water and/or sanitation and mobilise private innovative financing under the European Fund for Sustainable Development to unlock larger investments.

More information

EU Water Resilience Strategy Communication | European Commission

Water Resilience Strategy press release | European Commission

WaterWiseEU campaign page | European Commission