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European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's address at the event, ‘Innovation & Research: Paramount for shaping Europe's Water Resilient Future' at the EU Ocean Days Brussels, 4 March 2026 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to speak at this session of the Ocean Days – and to be part of crucial discussions on the development of the Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy. L...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's address at the event, ‘Innovation & Research: Paramount for shaping Europe's Water Resilient Future' at the EU Ocean Days Brussels, 4 March 2026 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to speak at this session of the Ocean Days – and to be part of crucial discussions on the development of the Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy. Let me start by saying how important it is that Europe's scientists, researchers, innovators and water experts are here – collaborating and sharing expertise. When it comes to building a water resilient Europe, there is no such thing as success without science. So, your voice is crucial. And, as Rosalind Franklin, the brilliant British scientist, once said: “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” Well, water is the very essence of everyday life. It is essential for our economic security, our food security and our regional security. It is the foundation of a healthy environment and thriving biodiversity. The very basis of our competitiveness. And the key to a sustainable future We urgently need to do more to protect it. These ideas are at the very core of the European Water Resilience Strategy. But the path to water resilience is complex and will sometimes involve navigating between science, evidence, possibilities, practice, regulation and resources. Developing – for the first time in EU history – a Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy is therefore crucial. And it will be coordinated with the Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy. By connecting these strategies, we are taking a holistic approach to water resilience. Let me share some thoughts on where we need to focus and how we can deliver concrete benefits together. First, on closing knowledge gaps and building capacity – following on from your discussion just now. The Water Resilience Strategy emphasises the importance of nature-based solutions. However, deploying these solutions requires data. Research and innovation can revolutionise our knowledge of the water cycle. It can give us more data, better data and faster data. Imagine the potential of cheaper, more effective, and real-time monitoring technologies, such as smart sensors and environmental DNA. Or imagine how the digitalisation of data and modelling could predict how water bodies react to climate change. But R&I must also bridge the gap to implementation. For example, we need to scientifically document what works, where, and why. Which methods for restoring sponge landscapes and cities work best in which regions? What can we adapt? What can we replicate? And what can we improve? Crucially, we need to quantify the socio-economic benefits to build the business case for investment. R&I can also unlock the technologies that will clean our drinking water and restore our ecosystems. For example, innovation can help us to detect and tackle pollution, including persistent chemicals like PFAS. Second, on developing a Water-Smart Economy – the subject of your next panel. Key sectors for our future — like battery production, semiconductors, food and energy — are highly water-intensive. So we must reduce demand, promote efficiency, and normalise reuse across Europe. I believe that a water-smart economy requires a digital revolution. The Commission is preparing a Digital Action Plan for the water sector, but policy alone is not enough. We need Research and Innovation to develop and deploy the next generation of digital tools. I'm thinking of smart water metering and of AI-driven leak detection. What about waterless and closed-loop technologies for industry? Or affordable methods for dry cooling in energy production? We must also refine technologies that allow us to treat and reuse water for agriculture and industrial processes without risking health or environmental standards. Third, on uptake of emerging solutions. Innovative solutions are all well and good. But we need the right people to implement them, and the capital to scale them. First – the human factor. As our water sector evolves towards high-tech and digital solutions, we face a skills gap and an ageing workforce. The European Water Academy – a flagship of the Water Resilience Strategy – aims to fill this gap. The new EIT Water is another important initiative – and will power a new generation of trained entrepreneurs and innovators. It will create an ecosystem that nurtures talent, builds capacity and boosts startups. Next – on investment. We need to make sure that pilot projects have the capital they need to move to market-wide adoption. The Strategy tackles this head-on with the Water Resilience Investment Accelerator and the EIB Water Programme. These tools are designed to de-risk investments and support the deployment of new technologies. Investing in sustainable water management is a massive business opportunity. In 2022 alone, the EU water sector generated EUR 112 billion in value added and supported 1.6 million jobs across tens of thousands of companies. We must leverage our global leadership in water research and innovation to strengthen the EU's competitive advantage – and you play a vital part in that journey. Ladies and gentlemen, Europe is already the global leader in water-related technology – thanks to many of you here today. You are powering a wave of innovation – and we are here to support you. We need to enable and nurture that innovation and ensure that it is translated into concrete benefits for society. Thank you for being here today. Thank you for your commitment. And thank you for sharing your expertise, insight and innovative solutions. Your input is vital for the development of the Research and Innovation Strategy for Water Resilience. It is vital for the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy. And it is vital for Europe's water cycle. So I wish you an excellent discussion. And I look forward to building a resilient, innovative water future together. SPEECH/26/534
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