The European Water Crisis

Aug 11, 2023 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

One heat record is followed by another heat record. Going forward, more needs to be done to protect and improve the EU’s water resources. For several years, drought and declining water tables have been affecting the entire surface of the EU. The impacts are already visible in France, Spain, and the north of Italy.

More than a quarter of the EU’s territory is under drought warnings this summer. This is according to new data from the European Drought Observatory. Up to 8% of the territory is already on drought alert.

The European Parliament is currently working with EU countries to develop a framework for the prevention and mitigation of water scarcity and droughts across the entire territory of the EU. An integrated water management proposal on surface and groundwater pollution is also on the table.

In many parts of Europe, there is currently a mismatch between the demand for water and the amount of water available, leading to what is known as water stress. Especially in densely populated areas and in much of southern Europe, water stress has already become an ongoing issue. Water stress can be the result of natural phenomena such as droughts, man-made phenomena such as unsustainable water abstraction, or a combination of both. The continuing trend towards concentration of population and economic activity in urban areas is exacerbating the effects.

However, it is also becoming more evident that water is being used more and more efficiently in the EU. In particular, the economic sectors most dependent on water availability, such as agriculture, energy production, industry and drinking water supply, are showing a clear trend towards more efficient water use.

European Parliament, Priorities for the Plenary Session (12 June 2023)