Strengthening water resilience in Southern Europe

Question for written answer E-003617/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

Climate change is intensifying droughts in Southern Europe, and in particular in Greece, which has lost around 50 % of its drinking water to leakages and unauthorised use,[1] twice the EU average. This is exacerbating water scarcity, threatening the agricultural, tourism and health sectors, especially in island regions.

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)[2] provides the framework for integrated management, but needs to be updated for modern challenges, such as digitalisation and reducing losses. At the same time, REPowerEU promotes investments in green infrastructure, while the European Semester 2025 highlights the need for national resilience strategies. Disproportionately affected countries, such as Greece, need targeted support to achieve the Green Deal objectives, in order to prevent huge economic losses.

In view of the above:

• 1.What measures will the Commission take to impose water loss limits from 2026 and to digitalise networks in countries such as Greece, in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC?
• 2.How will the Commission support infrastructure investments through REPowerEU, focusing on Southern European countries disproportionately affected by droughts, and what monitoring mechanisms will it put in place?

Submitted: 17.9.2025

• [1] https://en.protothema.gr/2025/06/13/water-scarcity-alert-wide-ranging-meeting-under-hatzidakis-and-preparation-of-a-comprehensive-plan/
• [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2000L0060:20130913:EL:PDF