Europe’s water resources are increasingly under pressure: population growth, urbanization, industrialisation, as well as intensive agriculture and energy production are leading to steadily rising water consumption. At the same time, Europe is the continent warming the fastest as a result of climate change. Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods are already a reality in many regions today.

According to a report by the European Environment Agency, 34% of the EU population suffered from seasonal water scarcity in 2022. In Southern Europe, up to 70% of regions were affected during the summer. Water quality is also a cause for concern: in 2021, only 37% of Europe’s surface waters achieved a “good” or “high” ecological status according to the EU Water Framework Directive.

The European Union is responding by continuously developing its water policy. New directives, such as the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), are setting the course for safe, sustainable water management. For companies, this results in new implementation, cost and innovation requirements – as well as promising market opportunities for innovative technologies and services “made in Germany”. Particularly in demand are forward-looking solutions such as intelligent leak detection systems, water reuse technologies, and flood protection measures.

Collaborate, shape the future: Your benefits in the Regional Section Europe

Since its founding, German Water Partnership (GWP) has been actively engaged in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. With the new Regional Section Europe, the association is addressing the growing challenges and market potential of the European water sector and is strategically expanding its activities to Northern, Central, and Southern Europe.

The forum brings together stakeholders from industry, politics, and research, identifies concrete needs, and supports German companies in accessing European target markets. The current country focus is on France, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Members benefit from targeted knowledge and experience exchange, strategic partnerships, and assistance in navigating the European regulatory landscape.

You want to open up new business opportunities in Europe and actively shape Europe’s water future? Please feel free to contact the leadership of the Regional Section or your contact person at the GWP office with any questions, topic requests, or ideas.