A Water Handbook for the 2024-2029 mandate
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Rivers and Lakes
Water must be prioritised in the upcoming mandate of the EU institutions. The NGOs united in the Living Rivers Europe coalition urge decision-makers to mainstream the protection of water and freshwater ecosystems (such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, deltas and estuaries) across the policy spectrum, so that water quality and water availability are factored into the decisions we make concerning Europe’s agriculture, industrial policy, energy and transport.
Water is vital to Europe’s security, health, social justice, supporting ecosystems and their recovery, as well as competitiveness. Our society relies on clean and abundant water for drinking and sanitation, crop production, cooling down power plants, and manufacturing goods. However, mismanagement and accelerating climate change are making Europeans increasingly vulnerable to water pollution, water scarcity, and floodings. The EU has a role to play in ensuring Europeans are protected from these risks, that farmers are adequately supported in the transition to climate-resilient agricultural models, and that Europe remains an attractive place for businesses.
