Greater Water Efficiency for a more Competitive and Sustainable Future
Water is a vital resource for Europe’s food, energy, and economic security. With increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and industrial demands, water resources are under significant strain.
In her political guidelines and letters of mandate for the relevant designated Commissioners, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for a European Water Resilience Strategy to address these challenges. This strategy is crucial for managing water resources sustainably, addressing scarcity, and enhancing Europe’s competitive edge through a circular
economy approach.
In our paper, we present eleven key recommendations for this Strategy to ensure a comprehensive and forward looking framework for water management.
In a fast-changing political and economic environment, 2025 was a year of continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and competitiveness for European businesses.
Throughout the year, our work demonstrated that energy efficiency is not only essential to achieving climate goals, but also a key driver of innovation, energy independence and sustainable long-term growth across Europe.
Strong engagement with policymakers, combined with the successful organisation of the 4th European Energy Efficiency Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing shared objectives. Partnerships across sectors and institutions remained central to delivering impact and shaping effective energy policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will intensify our efforts to secure the regulatory certainty that can accelerate the energy transition, while providing businesses with the investment confidence they need and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the full Activity Report here.
