The EU is launching a new body to save water, as more than a third of its population faces shortages.
The European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), has tasked EIT Water to address Europe’s growing water crisis.
Staggeringly, 38% of the EU population is affected by water scarcity, impacting nearly a third of its landmass. The economic toll ranges from €2 to €9 billion (£1.6 – £7.5bn) annually.
EIT Water will integrate education, research and business to develop solutions for sustainable water management. It will focus on entrepreneurial education, innovation projects and commercialising technologies, helping to position Europe as a global leader in water-related industries.
This initiative will also address fragmentation in ecosystem management by creating a pan-European network to unify efforts across the water sector.
The programme will launch with an initial budget of up to €5 million in 2026, with future funding tied to its success.
It is expected to attract third-party contributions and achieve financial sustainability, bolstered by Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation framework.
