A draft plan indicates Brussels aims for at least a 10% reduction in water consumption by 2030.
The European Commission is reportedly considering urging EU members to decrease water usage by at least 10% by 2030, according to a Financial Times report on a draft proposal. This legislation would be the Commission’s first directive focused on reducing water consumption in the EU.
The proposal arises from increasing concerns about droughts and groundwater depletion, exacerbated by more frequent wildfires and severe flooding that have cost the EU billions and significantly diminished water reserves.
EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall stated the need for more efficient water usage, emphasizing mindful consumption even during everyday activities.
Currently, refilling swimming pools is prohibited across southern Europe. Haris Sachinis, CEO of Greek water company Eydap, cautioned that Athens might face a complete water shortage within two years if dry conditions persist.
Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou cautioned that 2025 could mark Cyprus’ third consecutive year of drought, ranking among the eight worst for water reserves in the last half-century.
In Sweden, some regions have banned watering gardens with hoses, while France and Spain have seen disputes over dams and water rights intensify tensions between farmers and environmental advocates.
In the previous year, EU environmental policies, including restrictions on pesticide use and water consumption, sparked widespread protests from farmers and agricultural groups across various member states like France, Spain, Germany, and Poland.
The EC’s draft plan advocates for increased investment in repairing the bloc’s leaking water infrastructure. The EurEau industry group estimates that approximately 25% of EU water is lost due to pipe leaks, with some countries like Bulgaria experiencing losses as high as 60%.
The Commission estimates the need for €23 billion ($26 billion) annually for infrastructure upgrades. The European Investment Bank intends to provide €15 billion ($17 billion) in loans and guarantees between 2025 and 2027 to support these efforts. Furthermore, research indicates that only 2.4% of water is currently reused within the EU, a figure Brussels aims to increase.
Although the savings target is non-binding, the Commission encourages setting national targets and improving data collection. A recent climate assessment revealed that only a “limited number” of countries have implemented water resilience measures.
The proposal follows a 2023 warning regarding increased competition for water resources and potential cross-border conflicts. Separately, the European Central Bank has cautioned that water scarcity presents a financial risk, with surface water shortages potentially impacting nearly 15% of the eurozone GDP.
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