The Commission is opening a call for experts today (20 March) to form the new Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform.
By supporting the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the Platform will help create a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy in Europe.
It will serve as a forum for dialogue and expertise to support the following objectives: restore and protect the water cycle, build a water-smart economy, and ensure access to clean and affordable water for all.
The call comes at a time of growing global attention to water challenges, with increasing pressures from climate change, pollution and geopolitical tensions underscoring the need for coordinated and inclusive action.
Sunday’s World Water Day is also a stark reminder of the urgent need for Europe to become water resilient, as highlighted by Commissioner Roswall below.
“World Water Day is a powerful reminder that while water is a basic necessity, it is also a finite resource that we have to collectively respect and protect. With the new Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, we are opening the door for Europe’s water expertise to shape our work.
I warmly invite practitioners and specialists throughout Europe – from water utilities and river basin authorities to national administrations, civil society, youth, innovators, researchers, and experts in water investment and infrastructure – to apply and help make clean, affordable and secure water a lived reality for all.”
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
Advancing work on the EU Water Resilience Strategy is therefore more important than ever. Through the Strategy, the Commission is stepping up action to protect freshwater ecosystems, improve water efficiency and accelerate innovation and investment in sustainable water management. The Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform will contribute to this work.
Read the full World Water Day statement here.
Who can apply?
Experts with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Water efficiency and demand management
- Water governance and implementation
- Water financing, investment and infrastructure
- Digitalisation of the water sector
- Research and innovation
- Water industry and skills
- Water preparedness and security
The Commission encourages diverse applications, with due consideration given to geographical balance, areas of expertise, and gender balance.
DG-Environment’s Director-General will appoint up to 60 members for five-year terms. The Directorate-General will also chair the Platform, alongside a member of both the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Selected applicants are expected to contribute to the development of a three-year work programme, which will be reviewed annually, to attend biannual meetings in Brussels, and to provide expertise and advice to support the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy.
The first meeting is expected in the third quarter of 2026.
How to apply
The call for applications is now open. Applications must be sent by 23h59 on 17 April.
Further details on the selection criteria and application process are available in the call for applications and terms of reference on the Register of Commission Expert Groups page.
Background
The Water Resilience Strategy, adopted in June 2025, outlines measures to restore and protect the water cycle, build a water-smart economy, and ensure access to clean, affordable water for all.
The Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, first announced in the European Commission’s 2026 work programme, will provide a forum for dialogue and advice to support these objectives.
