Be water wise
Understand why Europe’s water systems are under increasing stress. Find out how we can all work together to transform the way water is managed, used and valued. Discover why we need to protect nature and ecosystems that are at the heart of the water cycle. Learn about the many water solutions out there.
Together, we have what it takes to get this right. We can fix the water cycle. We can use water efficiently across the EU. We can make sure we all have access to clean and affordable freshwater. The time is now to be a # WaterWiseEU.
Which water issue affects you? Join the campaign to find and share solutions
Ready to see water differently?
- Belgium
From the medieval waterways of Bruges and the bustling fishing towns on the North Sea to the mineral-rich waters of the Ardennes, Belgians have mastered water for centuries.
- Hungary
Landlocked in the centre of Europe, Hungary’s culture has long been shaped by water, thanks to its many lakes, hot springs, and rivers.
- Lithuania
Located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, with a rich maritime history, water is crucial to Lithuania's trade and prosperity.
- Ireland
Ireland is nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle’ due to its lush greenery and plentiful rain, and water has played an integral part in defining Ireland’s cultural heritage as well as in supporting its rich biodiversity.
- Italy
From ancient aqueducts and historic landmarks like the city of Venice to its river basin districts which drive the country’s economy, Italy has been shaped by water.
- Poland
Poland has a dense water network with lakes, rivers and coastal areas contributing to the country’s economy and culture.
- Romania
Nestled within the Danube River basin, Romania boasts abundant freshwater resources but grapples with water pollution, flooding and water management challenges.
Actions on the ground
Read our interview with Rewilding Europe, where we discuss how restoring nature can help protect us from climate change and boost water resilience.
The Danube River is Europe's lifeline, flowing through the territory of 19 countries—14 of which, together with the European Union, are ICPDR Contracting Parties—and supporting a rich tapestry of life, culture, and history.
Check out this blog post exploring why cold water and outdoor swimming are here to stay and the recent research on how it can promote human and environmental well-being.
Water Matters
In this latest Euronews Water Matters crash course, we explore how nature-based solutions are increasingly being used to tackle floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
Do you know how much water goes into making your favourite foods, the clothes you are wearing, or the car you are driving? This crash course examines the hidden use of water in everyday production, and how the EU has various tools to encourage more sustainable water consumption.
From a crusade to save a dying lagoon by securing it the legal rights of a person, to building tree houses to lure back the bat population, environmental activists in Spain are doing what it takes to protect their local waterways from pollution and loss of biodiversity.