Water is a universal connector: it sustains life, drives economies, and shapes societies. Yet, the challenges surrounding water management in Europe have reached a critical point. From droughts and floods to pollution and dwindling resources, water insecurity is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality. This issue has long been close to the hearts of Volonteurope and the European Civic Forum. Many years ago, we came together as two like-minded networks to award the joint Active Citizens of Europe Award to the first successful European Citizens Initiative (ECI), which recognised water as a human right. Now, we come full circle and take the cause forward with the ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe, a bold campaign that builds on this legacy and calls for transformative action to ensure sustainable human-water relations for future generations.
A citizen-driven call to action
The ECI is more than a tool for legislative change—it is a demonstration of democratic participation at its finest. It gives citizens the power to shape the EU agenda directly, reinforcing the values of engagement and inclusivity that both Volonteurope and the European Civic Forum hold dear.
The ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe is a call for action at a time when Europe faces mounting water-related challenges. By gathering one million signatures, we aim to compel the EU to prioritise water resilience and adopt a holistic, cross-cutting approach that reflects water’s interconnectedness with health, equity, and climate action. This initiative is about ensuring that water, as a shared resource, is managed sustainably and inclusively for everyone.
This campaign is not only a response to escalating water crises but also a celebration of what citizens can achieve when they come together. As the May Eurobarometer revealed, Europeans overwhelmingly support decisive EU-level action on water. The ECI embodies this sentiment, creating a platform where citizens, civil society, and policymakers can collaborate to shape the future of water resilience and security.
Aligning with the EU’s ambitions
The ECI complements existing EU initiatives like the EU Blue Deal, which seeks a comprehensive approach to water management. It also builds on recent developments, such as the inclusion of water resilience in the portfolio of the European Commission. But the ECI takes these ambitions further by centering citizens in the conversation, recognising that water is not just a resource but a fundamental right and shared responsibility.
Global discussions like the Niinistö Report on EU preparedness and the upcoming One Water Summit echo the urgency of water resilience for security, sustainability, and social stability. Our ECI aligns with these dialogues, advocating for policies that address water’s role in everything from agriculture and energy to human well-being and ecosystem health.
Civil society: the driving force
The European Civic Forum has long championed the vital role of civil society in fostering a more democratic and sustainable Europe. The ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe exemplifies this ethos, mobilising diverse stakeholders to act on a challenge that affects us all. Led by Volonteurope, the ECI reflects the collective strength of European civil society, connecting grassroots movements with actionable policy solutions.
This initiative also highlights the transformative power of participation. By signing the ECI, citizens are not just endorsing a campaign—they are actively contributing to the democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard on issues that matter most. This is the essence of participatory democracy: citizens shaping policies that affect their lives and futures.
Why your support matters
Water challenges in Europe are urgent and interconnected, touching every facet of life. Droughts, floods, pollution, and dwindling resources are already impacting ecosystems, communities, and economies. The ECI provides a platform for citizens to demand bold and immediate action from the EU.
The success of this initiative depends on all of us—civil society organisations, policymakers, and individuals working together. As members of the European Civic Forum, we are uniquely positioned to amplify this campaign and inspire others to join. Let us use our networks and influence to bring this cause to every corner of Europe.
Take action
Be part of this transformative movement for a water-smart and resilient Europe:
- Sign the ECI today: www.eci4water.eu
- Spread the word: share the campaign with your networks and communities.
- Engage locally: mobilise your organisation, your community, and your peers to support this vital initiative.
Together, we can demonstrate the power of participatory democracy to address one of the greatest challenges of our time. Let us build a future where water resilience is not just a policy goal but a shared reality—one that reflects the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusion.
Water connects us all. Now, let it unite us in action.