EU Environment Commissioner: “Europe is under water stress. In Romania, 9 out of 10 rivers expected to lose volume”

At the Danube–Eastern Europe Regional Water Forum, held at Romexpo and organized by PRIAevents together with the Romanian Water Association (ARA), EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, delivered a sobering message: Europe is under growing pressure due to water scarcity, pollution, and climate risks.

Addressing representatives of the water sector from across the region, Roswall presented the main findings of the new European Water Resilience Strategy, launched earlier this month.

“I am very pleased to be here today at the ‘Danube–Eastern Europe’ Regional Water Forum 2025. It is encouraging to see the passion and commitment within the water sector in this region,” she opened.

A critical moment for Europe’s waters

Roswall emphasized that transboundary cooperation is a core component of EU water policy and crucial for long-term resilience.

“Cross-border cooperation is at the heart of the European project and EU water policy. It is essential for water resilience, peace, and prosperity,” she stated.

She warned that water-related crises are no longer exceptional events in Europe:

“Our waters are heavily polluted, water supply is under pressure, flood risks are not being reduced fast enough, and droughts now occur across almost all parts of Europe—including areas where they never existed before. The new water normal is that there is no normal.”

Romania: 9 out of 10 rivers at risk of flow reduction

Citing the latest climate risk assessment, Roswall highlighted Romania’s vulnerability:

“In Romania, 9 out of 10 rivers are expected to decrease their flow. Your beautiful country has already suffered significant damages, including the recent flooding of the Praid salt mine, which compromised underground galleries.”

She added that experts from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Hungary are currently supporting Romania’s recovery strategy.

No silver bullet, but a roadmap to resilience

Introducing the European Water Resilience Strategy, launched on June 4, Roswall clarified:

“There is no silver bullet to solve the water crisis. This strategy is not a magic solution, but it is our roadmap and toolbox for water resilience in action.”

The strategy is built on three main pillars:

1. Fixing the hydrological cycle
2. Building a water-smart economy
3. Ensuring clean and affordable water for all

Key measures announced

Roswall detailed a series of initiatives aimed at tackling water stress and inefficiency:

• Increase water use efficiency in Europe by at least 10% by 2030
• Modernize water infrastructure, noting that on average 30% of water is lost through leaky pipes before reaching users—and up to 50% in some Danube basin countries
• €15 billion in additional investments from the European Investment Bank over the next three years
• Promote digital innovation, such as an AI model in Burgas with over 90% accuracy in detecting leaks, and the Danube Water Balance project led by Hungary
• Strengthen governance and enforcement of EU water legislation
• Tackle pollution, especially PFAS contamination, under the “polluter pays” principle

A call for unity and action

In a powerful closing, Roswall quoted Romanian national poet Mihai Eminescu, underlining shared values:

“We would like to believe that the West will finally understand that Romania’s interests in the Danube are those of the entire Western world.”

She concluded with a firm call to action:

“We are on the path to a water-resilient Europe. The road ahead is challenging, but necessary. We are well-equipped—with strong rules, a competitive water sector, deep experience, and an unwavering determination to make Europe water resilient.”