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Environment

Be water wise

Less than 3% of water on Earth is freshwater, and only a fraction of this is available to sustain all life. We need a healthy water cycle to keep it flowing. Find out how the water cycle is spinning out of balance.

Join the WaterWiseEU community, and explore the adaptable campaign toolkit available in all EU languages.

Which water issue affects you? Join the campaign to find and share solutions

farmer looking at the sky
Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. Many countries are at risk of water scarcity and more frequent droughts.
Floods are becoming more frequent, dangerous and expensive. It's time to tap into nature's resilience. 
polluted red water
Many of our rivers, seas and groundwater are polluted: from chemicals, plastics and agriculture and other sources.
We need water to produce our food and power our economies. Poorly managed water leads to overuse, loss or waste.

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. 

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  • 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.

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  • Lithuania

    Located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, with a rich maritime history, water is crucial to Lithuania's trade and prosperity.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Poland

    Poland has a dense water network with lakes, rivers and coastal areas contributing to the country’s economy and culture.

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  • Romania

    Nestled within the Danube River basin, Romania boasts abundant freshwater resources but grapples with water pollution, flooding and water management challenges.

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Actions on the ground

Managing water wisely in Guimarães, Portugal
  • News blog

Here we explore the theme of EU Green Week 2024, looking at how technological innovation combined with effective legislation and policy implantation can help create a #WaterWiseEU.

  • 1 min read

Water Matters

Events around the world