Water Resilience: Solutions by the Construction Industry in a Sustainable Policy Framework
Date
Wed, 10/22/2025
Sections
Climate & Environment
FIEC calls for
- Recognising Water Resilience as a Strategic Priority in the 2028-2034 EU Programming Period
- Increasing the overall Level of Funding for Water Resilience Projects in the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework
- Recognising the crucial Role of Contractors in building new Water Infrastructure, as well as its Maintenance and Repair
- Highlighting the importance of adaptation and mitigation actions to face adverse climate change impacts related to water
- Digitalisation of Water Grids and the full Water Cycle to improve Knowledge about the Grid and Water Sources
- Focusing on Leakage Detection and Targeted Maintenance to reduce Water losses in existing Networks
- Financing Schemes that Account for the Value of the Resource, Treatment, and Transportation
- Strengthening the existing Regulatory Framework through strict Enforcement and lean Implementation
20 October, FIEC published its Position Paper “Water Resilience: Solutions by the Construction Industry in a Sustainable Policy Framework”. The document sets out specific policy recommendations to enhance infrastructure delivery and strengthen water resilience across the European Union.
Currently, around 23% of freshwater in the EU is lost through distribution network leakages, a major driver of both water scarcity and unnecessary energy consumption (e.g. treatment facilities, pumping stations), ultimately increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Although approximately EUR 55 billion is invested annually in water infrastructure across the EU, an additional EUR 23 billion per year is required to meet existing legal obligations.
This document draws on insights gathered during the FIEC Annual Conference held in Athens in May 2025 under the main theme “Building Tomorrow: Solutions for Water Resilience and Blue Infrastructure”, as well as FIEC’s contribution to the European Commission Public Consultation on the EU Water Resilience Strategy, and previous initiatives such as the FIEC-EIC Joint Call for a European Blue Deal.
Today's Position Paper highlights investment needs for water infrastructure and its maintenance. Its aim is to inform and support discussions on funding priorities in the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).