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European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's keynote speech at the signing ceremony on the Structured Dialogue on the implementation of water legislation Berlin, 5 October 2026 Minister Schneider, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, This past summer, as Europe was gripped by drought, as our soils were sucked dry and our rivers ran low, a colleague of mine mentioned Goethe's poem "Song ...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's keynote speech at the signing ceremony on the Structured Dialogue on the implementation of water legislation Berlin, 5 October 2026 Minister Schneider, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, This past summer, as Europe was gripped by drought, as our soils were sucked dry and our rivers ran low, a colleague of mine mentioned Goethe's poem "Song of the Spirits over the Waters" (Gesang der Geister über den Wassern). Goether famously used water as a metaphor for the human soul, fate, and the vital energy of nature. That comparison strikes me again, here today, as we gather to discuss the power of water. As we discuss its fundamental importance to our economic security, food and energy security, industrial security, nature, health and so much more. This is a vital topic at a vital time. So, I am delighted to be here in Berlin. And let me begin by thanking Minister Schneider for engaging so positively and productively in this Structured Dialogue. I also want to thank everyone else involved: especially the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety; And the German Federal States. We began almost a year ago with three crucial, connected goals. First – to boost the implementation of water legislation and push Europe towards water resilience. Second – to discuss how the Commission can support this effort. And third – to profile examples of excellence that can inspire other Member States. I am grateful that the process led to a deep and open exchange. It has helped us to better understand the concrete challenges facing Germany and German stakeholders. And it allowed us to identify the areas where action would have decisive benefits. Today's signature with Minister Schneider is the first in a series, with other Member States to follow. So, Germany is, as in many other things, setting a positive example. With this joint statement and building on the German Water Strategy, Minister Schneider and I reaffirm our commitment to EU legislation and to building a water-resilient Germany. And it couldn't come at a better moment. Water has become one of the defining strategic issues of our time. In the past, water scarcity and water extremes were the exception in Europe. Today, those exceptions have become the norm. It means that water can no longer be considered a sectoral issue alone. Instead, it's a systemic challenge affecting multiple sectors – from energy and industry, to transport, trade and biodiversity. We can see this impact across Germany. In concrete monetary losses. A recent Allianz Report estimated that the 2026 heatwaves cost Germany 25 billion euro. We see it in lost energy. This summer, Germany's hydroelectricity production fell by 37 percent compared to normal levels. We see it in the experience of farmers. Yields for crops like cereal, winter wheat and rapeseed are expected to be between 7 and 12 percent lower than in 2025. We see it clearly in the dwindling Rhine and the shrinking Danube – affecting supply chains, navigation and more. I have seen it firsthand, in visits, meetings and discussions with stakeholders throughout the country. And it has become clear to me that we need to address water in a bigger way, in a braver way, and in a broader way. That's why water resilience is a political priority in the European Commission, in Council and the European Parliament. And that's why President Von der Leyen announced a European Water Initiative in her recent State of the Union address. Our Water Initiative needs to be ambitious. It needs to reflect that water is a matter of Europe's security and competitiveness. We need to tackle crucial issues: To walk the talk on water efficiency and water reuse. To prevent and manage droughts much better. And to work better together across borders. In the meantime, we are continuing with the concrete roll out of our Water Resilience Strategy. The upcoming Action Plan on digitalisation will modernise water management. Just last month, we launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, bringing together experts from all over Europe to boost collaboration. And through the European Water Academy, we are building the knowledge and skills needed for a water secure future. We are also backing our goals with investment. Over 40 billion euro has been committed to water resilience through existing EU funding instruments. The European Investment Bank has committed another 15 billion euro to water. And the Water Resilience Investment Accelerator aims to boost funding by connecting high- potential projects with financial instruments. I know that Germany is also acting. On urban wastewater treatment, Germany is already in full compliance with EU legislation. On the Water Framework Directive, major investments have led to significant progress. Over the past decade, the European Investment Bank has provided more than 3.3 billion euro for long ‑ term water sector investments in Germany – contributing to better infrastructure and better water management. And Germany's National Water Strategy – which mirrors many of our European goals – is very encouraging. It also mirrors many of the challenges that we face around Europe. We will follow its implementation closely – and I hope we can continue to learn from each other. Ladies and gentlemen, Water is the foundation of our way of life. And water is in dire straits. We need to react decisively. We need to plan carefully, invest strategically, and work collaboratively. And we need to treat water as a strategic priority for Europe – always, not just when our rivers run dry or streets are flooded. Because every year of delay increases the economic, environmental and social costs. Today's joint statement is a clear signal of political will and partnership. But this is not the end of the journey. It is a vital and practical next step. It is both an important milestone and a sign of our shared determination to move from ambition to action. From dialogue to delivery. So let me finish by once again commending Germany for its strategic approach, for the commitment shown at federal level, and for the vital contribution of the Länder. I am excited about what this partnership can bring. And how it can transform water resilience from an abstract objective into concrete protection for people. Into support for farmers and businesses. Into the preservation of our ecosystems. And into stronger long-term security and competitiveness for Germany and for Europe. As our awareness campaign demands, it is time to view water differently "Wasser anders sehen". And it is time to do it together. Thank you. SPEECH/26/2069 <@rel_link@>
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