Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent issue across Europe, with MEP Thomas Bajada warning that the EU needs to up its game to ensure long-term water resilience. Speaking at the Għajn National Water Conservation Centre in Rabat, MEP Bajada, representing the Socialists and Democrats, highlighted the challenges faced by countries like Malta, where 70 percent of the country’s water comes from desalination plants.
He stressed the importance of tangible measures in the years ahead, and expects the conservation of water to play a more important role in budgetary allocations for the years ahead.
Reports suggest that in Southern Europe, approximately 30% of the population lives in areas with permanent water stress, and up to 70% resides in regions experiencing seasonal water stress during the summer months. This highlights the significant seasonal challenges faced by Southern European countries, where water scarcity intensifies during warmer periods.
Bajada, who led a report on the EU’s forthcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, is calling for a dedicated fund to tackle water security across member states.
“Every person in the EU has the right to clean, accessible and affordable water, but that is not a reality everywhere,” he said, arguing that current EU priorities do not place enough focus on water. “The funds are not going towards water resilience.
Earlier this week, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee adopted Bajada’s report, which includes recommendations on how the EU should manage water resources more effectively. The report highlights that water is not only essential to public health but is also critical to Europe’s economy and its ability to adapt to climate change. It warns that urgent action is needed to prevent water scarcity from worsening, particularly in regions already at risk, such as islands, Mediterranean countries, and outermost areas.
The Maltese MEP’s report is expected to face the EP’s full vote next month, and a strong approval would pile further pressure on the Commission to act in a more decisive manner.
The report’s proposals include setting clear water efficiency targets, phasing out harmful chemicals such as PFAS (also known as ‘forever chemicals’) from drinking water, and increasing investment in wastewater reuse and modern infrastructure. He stressed that greater collaboration between member states is needed to ensure a secure water supply for all Europeans.
Another key recommendation is the establishment of a dedicated water resilience fund under the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Bajada believes such a fund is necessary to modernize water management systems and invest in sustainable solutions.
The report also emphasizes the role of technology in improving water management. Bajada has called for greater investment in artificial intelligence, smart irrigation, and real-time leak detection systems to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage.
“We need our actions to be directed by science and data, and this is why this investment is necessary, so that it is impactful”, he said.
He also noted that financial institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) could play a role in supporting major water infrastructure projects, suggesting that this could be more useful than funding defence capabilities.
Bajada made it clear that Europe cannot afford to delay action on water resilience.
“This is a clear message to the Commission: the time for a bold and targeted European Water Resilience Strategy is now,” he said. “Water efficiency targets, a PFAS phase-out, dedicated funding, and digital innovation must be the backbone of this strategy. Water is not just a resource – it is a pillar of our strategic autonomy, our competitiveness, and our daily lives. No region should be left behind in Europe’s path towards resilience.”
MEP Bajada was addressing an event hosted by the European Parliament Office in Malta.