Water Europe

Europe’s water sector as global market leader

Water is seen as an economic sector of growing significance in Europe. Population growth and urbanisation, increased globalisation and prosperity, along with climate change all render the need for an advanced water provision and sanitation more necessary than ever. But fragmentation presents a hurdle to the competitiveness of Europe’s water sector. The goal of the European technology platform Water Europe is to overcome this fragmentation and to together make the European water sector a leader in the provision of safe, clean and affordable water services while protecting nature.

Water Europe was launched in 2004 at the initiative of the EU and has since grown to become the European platform for collaboration and the design of water-related research programmes. Its main areas of focus are urban water, and water for industry, agriculture and nature.

KWR: key position within the European water sector

KWR is on the Water Europe board (Vice-President) which, among other things, means that we participate in shaping the European research programmes that are needed to deal with future water issues. Water Europe is a growing organisation with more than 180 members, of which water companies, technology providers, policy-makers and knowledge organisations. Our membership confirms our key position within the European water sector. Together with the technology platform we give high priority to innovation, expertise, professionalism and team spirit.

Jointly with Water Europe we strive to:

• Foster European collaboration in the area of water research and innovation.
• Ensure European growth and competitiveness of the water sector.
• Provide solutions to global challenges of future generations.
• Address the challenges of an integrated and sustainable management of water resources.

Water as an economic sector

Investments in water can be a driving force behind accelerated economic growth, sustainable development, improved public health and poverty reduction. Water is being seen more and more as an economic sector unto itself. Water Europe, which is officially recognised by the European Commission, is contributing to this development. The platform plays a decisive role in positioning water projects in Europe’s research and innovation programmes, and actively contributes to the implementation of innovations.