On 4 June 2025, the European Commission unveiled the European Water Resilience Strategy, a major initiative designed to ensure long-term access to clean, affordable water while protecting ecosystems, boosting economic resilience, and addressing the growing threats from climate change. Among its urgent priorities is tackling hazardous pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a growing threat to both human health and ecosystems.
With only 37% of EU surface waters in good ecological status and just 29% in good chemical status, the Commission is calling for accelerated action across Europe. The strategy highlights PFAS as a key concern and calls for enhanced monitoring, pollution prevention, and regulatory enforcement to reduce their presence in drinking water and the environment.
The strategy rests on three pillars: restoring the natural water cycle, creating a resilient and competitive water economy, and ensuring universal access to clean and affordable water. PFAS contamination directly threatens each of these goals, affecting health, groundwater quality, food production, and industrial operations.
To support national efforts, the Commission introduced a new Recommendation on Water Efficiency, urging Member States to reduce water consumption by at least 10% by 2030. It also encourages action to address pollutants at the source, including stricter controls on industrial discharges and investments in wastewater treatment technologies capable of targeting persistent chemicals like PFAS.
In addition to legal and policy tools, the strategy provides a financial roadmap. Over €15 billion will be made available by the European Investment Bank between 2025 and 2027. Public and private investments are encouraged to modernise water infrastructure, reduce leakage, and deploy digital tools like smart metering and real-time pollution tracking.
To ensure follow-through, the Commission will host biennial Water Resilience Forums, starting in December 2025, and conduct a mid-term review in 2027. The strategy also reinforces the EU’s global role in promoting safe and sustainable water through international cooperation and the Global Gateway initiative.
By spotlighting PFAS and systemic water risks, the Commission aims to put water resilience at the core of Europe’s environmental, economic, and health agendas.
