Protecting the EU’s water resources and ecosystems and ensuring all Europeans have access to clean drinking and bathing water.

It is essential to sustain the political momentum of the UN 2023 Water Conference, to accelerate actions for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. The EU’s commitments to the Water Action Agenda show its determination to take action.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) focuses on ensuring good qualitative and quantitative health, i.e. on reducing and removing pollution and on ensuring that there is enough water to support wildlife at the same time as human needs.

Many European river basins are international, crossing administrative and territorial borders. Therefore a common understanding and approach is crucial to the successful and effective implementation of the Directive.

Data and analysis on major impacts of agriculture on water resources and possible solutions.

Water research and innovation, funding opportunities, collaboration, projects and results, scientific publications and databases, events and news.

"Over 75% of EU citizens wants the EU to act on water, according to the May 2024 Eurobarometer. We need to do more to ensure the security of our water supply. Because citizens need clean water. Farmers and businesses need a stable water supply. We need to protect our fresh and marine waters and reduce flood risks. Because the cost of inaction is too high, knowing that the situation will become worse."

The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus) approach highlights the interdependence of water, energy and food security and ecosystems – water, soil, and land – that underpin that security.

People, nature and the economy all need water and water is many things: a vital need, a local and global resource, a transport corridor, a climate regulator and home and provider to many species. Europe's rivers, lakes, seas and groundwater are under pressure from pollution, eutrophication, over-exploitation and climate change.

WISE Freshwater provides information and data on the state of Europe’s rivers, lakes, groundwaters, the pressures affecting them, and the measures and actions taken to protect and conserve the aquatic environment.

Water is a limited resource. EU legislation protects water resources and ecosystems, and makes sure that drinking and bathing water is clean.

Climate change and unsustainable water and land management increase drought risk globally. The World Drought Atlas shows the current conditions and the emerging risks. It also offers concrete elements to boost actions to achieve drought resilience.