Water is an indispensable resource for life, the economy and for regulating the climate cycle. Yet, freshwater resources around Europe face environmental and man-made pressures. This Policy Dialogue discussed the state of Europe’s freshwater resources on the basis of the European Environment Agency’s new ‘State of Water in Europe’ report, the main challenges to be addressed, and what actions need to be taken.

EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx presented the main findings of the report, focusing on the state of water bodies, as well as the drivers and the pressures at play. Veronica Manfredi, Director for Quality of Life (Air, Water and Industrial Emissions) at the Directorate-General for Environment in the European Commission, provided reaction to the report. WWF EU Director Andrea Kohl, Director General of Fertilizers Europe Jacob Hansen and Chairman of the COPA-COGECA Working Party on Environment Niels Peter Nørring also provided comment on the report’s findings, including the impact of agriculture, fertilizers and industry on water resources, as well as recommendations for further action.