After the Davos Forum, the water theme arrives in Rome with the aim of outline a strategy concrete for addressing water challenges in Europe. The EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, met the CEO of Acea, Fabrizio Palermo, to discuss the initiatives to be adopted. During the meeting, Palermo presented a series of proposals that could contribute to the definition of the European strategy, placing at the centre four directions key: single direction, updated rules, clear remedies and sufficient resources.
Water security: a priority for the EU
“At this moment the water issue is important, urgent, and a political priority for the European Commission,” said Roswall. “Security is not just about weapons, but also about critical infrastructure such as water.” The Commissioner also announced that the Water resilience strategy to be presented before summer.
The urgency of addressing the water problem is linked to the effects of climate change, which are causing extreme weather events and significant alterations in the availability of water resources. “We have started a dialogue with all stakeholders, and it is essential to focus on quantity and quality of water,” added Roswall, underlining the importance of investments in the green transition.
The four levers proposed by Acea
Palermo has outlined four fundamental pillars to address the water crisis in a structural way:
- Sole director: coordinate interventions at national and local levels to ensure effective management of water resources.
- Updated rules: adapt the legislation to new challenges, ensuring flexibility and innovation.
- Clear remedies: Establish protocols and contingency plans to respond rapidly to water crises.
- Sufficient resources: ensure adequate investment in the modernization of water infrastructure.
"There is no single solution“, Palermo declared. “The investments must be made immediately: there is a huge opportunity for development in Italy and a strong potential for the industry”.
The importance of water reuse
One of the central themes addressed during the meeting was that of reuse of purified water. In Italy this practice is still little developed, despite its high potential. “Today, water is purified and sent back into rivers and the sea, but when it comes out of the purification system it is drinkable and could be reused in agriculture and other sectors,” Palermo explained. “The technology and know-how are there: invest in this sector it is an opportunity for the European economy”.
Acea's CEO then wanted to underline how the tariff issue represents an obstacle, since "the Current rates do not accurately reflect real costs of services”. Roswall made it clear that the European Commission will respect the competences of national governments in this regard.
The challenge of infrastructure investments
- infrastructure investments are essential to ensure long-term water security. Palermo cited the case ofPeschiera Aqueduct, one of the largest in Europe, as an example of a project that requires timely funding and intervention. “Investments must be made now, because they take a long time,” Roswall reiterated.
For her part, the EU Commissioner highlighted that Europe has significant funds at its disposal, including those of the Cohesion, Next Generation Eu and Horizon, but a is needed greater commitment to make regulations more efficient and improve the implementation of existing directives.
The water issue concerns all European countries, affected by both droughts and floods. “Theinnovation must be the driver of change“, Roswall said. “I have responsibility for the strategy, but the water sector intersects with agriculture, regional policy, cohesion and urban development.”
Palermo finally reiterated the importance of spreading a culture of respect for water, promoting awareness initiatives to reduce waste. “We need to start talking about water transition and we need to act within 5-10 years,” concluded the CEO of Acea.
