Happening right after the European Elections, this year’s edition of Water Innovation Europe 2024 is all about recognising the crucial role of water for bolstering the European economic competitiveness, and the urgent need for investments to prevent economic downturns due to water crises.
For the first time, the European Environment Agency recognises water as a cross-sectoral challenge in the first Climate Risk Assessment Report calling upon a comprehensive approach towards water-smart management, while the Letta report emphasises that utilities need investment to ensure water services. Similarly, nearly 70% of companies responding to a CDP survey acknowledged the business risks associated with water challenges.
In partnership with the EU Green Week, Water Europe kicks off its landmark event by addressing the socio-economic value of water with the publication of the new Water Europe’s report. Following the joint letter of 30 organisations calling for the release of the Water Resilience Initiative and the EU Blue Deal of the European Economic and social Committee, we will also discuss the related risks and opportunities for the different economic actors.
The discussion will continue into the Gala Dinner, where innovative solutions will take centre stage with the presentation of five annual awards, offering a perfect opportunity for casual networking. The second day focuses on the implementation of circular water solutions and unveils the second edition of the Living Labs atlas of Water Europe. The EU’s approach must embody the principle of “more for less”, as reiterated this month by the UN Water Report 2024. It is time to unlock water reuse!
Research and Innovation play a key role in the European competitiveness and strategic autonomy, requiring collaborative instruments such as the Water-oriented living labs as well as circular processes to build a water-smart economy!
Lastly, you will have the opportunity to attend one of the three parallel sessions about the skills agenda in the water sector, nature-based solutions, and international water dialogue.
Detailed agenda will come up soon.
Welcome speech – Hans Goossens, President of Water Europe.
This session will demonstrate the socio-economic value of water to society and its contribution to achieving other strategic EU objectives including energy transition, circular economy, EU strategic autonomy. It will be also the opportunity to discuss its financial perspective and required investments to bolster the EU competitiveness, the single market, and Research & Innovation.
Detailed agenda will come soon.
Calling for a new EU water framework, Letta’s report opened the regulatory box of the water policy. With representatives of different economic sectors, the panel discussion will discuss the regulatory achievement of the last five years and explore the new regulatory challenges that the Commission will have to tackle in the next five years to achieve a water-smart economy.
Detailed agenda will come soon.
To be confirmed.
During the Garden Party, innovative solutions will take centre stage with the presentation of five annual awards, offering a perfect opportunity for casual networking.
Keynote speaker – to be confirmed
Sponsor Speech – to be confirmed
Announcement of the Water Innovation Europe Awards 2024
Join us as we strive to elevate water to the top of the next commission's priorities and achieve a Water-Smart Society in Europe!
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