Priorities

European Blue Deal

Several regions in Europe, particularly in Western and Southern Europe, are experiencing regular water shortages and have been facing permanent water restrictions since the spring of 2022.

Even 'water-rich' countries in Central and Northern Europe are experiencing water shortages, while others are experiencing 'water surpluses': For example, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary were hit by flash floods in 2023, destroying buildings and bridges. 

In the face of rising temperatures and increasingly frequent natural disasters caused by global warming, more decisive and forward-looking EU action on water is urgently needed.

Therefore, FIEC supports the plans of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in particular the Declaration for a European Blue Deal, and joins the EESC and other European stakeholders in calling for a pan-European and holistic approach to water policy

The European construction sector is “part of the solution, not the problem” for the Blue Deal. Construction companies are extensively involved in water-related projects and provide essential services related to water infrastructure, including outside the EU and Europe. These services are mainly provided to local authorities, public enterprises, private enterprises or the State/Government and are vital for water treatment, transport and distribution, consumption and storage, but also for flood protection

The construction of new water infrastructure and the maintenance and repair of Europe's old water infrastructure (most of Europe's water transport and supply networks were built between 1960 and 1970 or even earlier) are essential for a stable and sustainable water supply, water management and a circular water economy, but also for achieving a net-zero Union and for adapting to flood events.

 

FIEC's Call for a European Blue Deal can be found here.

 

 

Share this page :