EU Discusses Action Plan to Digitalise European Water Sector

The European Commission has held a stakeholder roundtable to discuss a draft action plan for digitalising the European water sector. The initiative is a flagship element of the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy and aims to improve water efficiency, protect the water cycle and ensure clean, affordable water remains available.

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said water resilience is now a matter of economic security, industrial resilience and competitiveness. She said building a water-smart economy depends on improving how water data is collected, managed and used.

The EU water sector already generates €111.7 billion in value added and supports 1.6 million jobs. However, it lags behind other public services in digitalisation, despite €140 billion having been spent under the Recovery and Resilience Facility on digitalisation.

The draft action plan responds to challenges identified in a 2026 call for evidence. These include fragmented water data and collection systems, limited interoperability, shortages of digital skills and outdated procurement rules.

The roundtable brought together representatives from companies, industry associations, utilities, regulators, research organisations, city networks, consumer organisations and other water-sector stakeholders. Participants discussed practical experiences and solutions for digitalising water management.

The European Commission expects to adopt the action plan in the first half of 2027. It will also include an EU-wide initiative on smart metering for all, supporting greater water awareness and empowering citizens, businesses and public administrations.