Letter from 21 EU ministers on the importance of water

The Portuguese Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho is the first proponent of a joint letter to the European Commission that has already been underwritten by 20 other Member States, asking for a strengthening of water resilience and security in the European Union.

Maria da Graça Carvalho asks the European Commission to make water an agenda priority in the next few years and for this to be undertaken via encompassing measures at the EU level, including suitable and effective funding, fostering innovation, evidence-based decision-making, and boosting international cooperation.

The letter stresses the rise in both the frequency and intensity of droughts, and water scarcity throughout the whole of Europe. According to the European Environment Agency, around 20% of the European land and 30% of its population suffer water stress every year. The associated economic cost is estimated at 9 billion euros per annum and could hit 65 billion euros by the end of the century, without even accounting for environmental losses. 

In this initiative led by Portugal, the underwriters ask for greater European articulation in managing water, taking into account all of its dimensions: fresh and salt-water resources, protecting ecosystems, human consumption, agriculture, energy, and industry. 

The Minister of Environment and Energy feels it crucial to boost the role of knowledge, technology, and innovation in water policy, as well as investing in integrated planning and management and monitoring tools.

"This document also underlines the importance of scientific research and strengthening funding in these areas through traditional financial instruments as well as through innovative means that can mobilise private investment", Maria da Graça Carvalho noted.

The Portuguese initiative was underwritten by 20 other countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Poland, and Romania.