Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Portuguese environment minister, recently met with the European Commission’s chief of the environment department, Florika Fink-Hooijer, to discuss the need for concrete action to increase water security across the EU. The meeting followed a letter sent by Portugal and 21 other EU member states in July, calling on the EU executive to prioritize water resilience. Carvalho emphasized the importance of considering water a financing, political, and strategic priority, urging the European Investment Bank (EIB) to provide assistance on this issue. She highlighted the increasing levels of droughts, water scarcity, and floods across Europe as reasons for urgent action.
The EU executive had previously put action on water scarcity on hold due to anti-green sentiment ahead of the EU elections. However, Carvalho is now pushing Brussels to move forward with concrete measures to protect water resources. The Portuguese government is currently developing a water strategy, a collaborative effort between the Ministers of Agriculture and the Economy, in order to prepare an investment plan to propose to the EIB. Carvalho stressed the necessity of this investment plan for Portugal, particularly in the area of energy. She expressed gratitude for the positive response from Commission President von der Leyen, who has identified water as an urgent priority for early action in her second term.
Carvalho also highlighted the importance of Iberian partnership on water policy, noting the ongoing efforts between Portugal and Spain to finalize the Guadiana river project which will supply water to the Algarve region. She commended the collaboration with Spanish Environment Minister Teresa Ribera, expressing optimism for further alliances in the water and energy sectors. The Portuguese minister emphasized the need for joint efforts to address water challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing water-related risks across Europe. The forthcoming projects in Spain and Portugal underline the significance of cross-border cooperation in managing water resources effectively.
The investment plan being developed by the Portuguese government is intended to address the pressing need for infrastructure and resource management in the water sector. Carvalho emphasized the importance of securing funding from the EIB to support these initiatives. She called for water to be prioritized in the next EU budget, stressing the necessity of increased investment in the face of growing challenges such as water scarcity and floods. Carvalho’s advocacy for water security reflects a broader recognition of the importance of sustainable water management in ensuring environmental resilience and societal well-being.
The focus on water as a critical issue for the EU underscores the urgency of addressing water security in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. Carvalho’s efforts to mobilize support from the EIB and other stakeholders reflect a commitment to proactive and collaborative action on water resilience. By advocating for concrete measures to protect water resources and enhance water management, Carvalho is playing a key role in advancing the EU’s priorities in environmental sustainability and climate adaptation. The collaborative partnerships between Portugal, Spain, and other EU member states are essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by water scarcity and ensuring a sustainable future for Europe’s water resources.
