Entrevista con los vice presidentes del Water Group del Parlamento europeo
Stine Bosse y Tonino Picual comentan como las políticas comunitarias pueden ayudar a mejorar la gestión del agua y avanzar así en el concepto de Water Smart Society.
La entrevista es en inglés y fue realizada dentro de la actividad de WATER EUROPE., donde también podrás encontrar esta entrevista.
What personally motivates you to be involved in the MEP Water Group?
Stine Bosse: Water is fundamental to life, health, and economic stability. Yet, we are facing increasing water scarcity and pollution, which require urgent action. As a policymaker, I see it at my responsibility to push for sustainable water management and ensure that Europe leads in innovation and resilience. By working across sectors, we can develop solutions that safeguard water resources for future generations. My motivation stems from a strong belief in the EU’s ability to drive change and create policies that truly make a difference.
Tonino Picula: My personal motivation comes from the fact that I was born on a Croatian island and I grew up in the Mediterranean surroundings. Topics such as water management and water scarcity are something I am very much acquainted with, as it combines my personal and professional interest. The MEP Water Group builds on my previous work in EP. In the previous mandate I served as the President of Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup, bringing together more than 100 MEPs from different groups. I have continued to be part of this Intergroup as the Vice President for Islands and Water.
How can EU policies better support innovation and investment in water-related solutions to address climate change and resource scarcity?
Stine Bosse: The EU must prioritize water security in its climate and industrial strategies. This means increasing financial support for research and new technologies that improve water efficiency, purification, and reuse. Clear and predictable regulations should encourage circular water use and digital solutions for better resource management. Public-private partnerships and cross-border cooperation will also be key in scaling up sustainable water technologies. By integrating water management into broader climate and economic policies, we can drive the necessary investments for long-term resilience.
Tonino Picula: For example, in the last mandate, with the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, I launched the Water Saving Challenge project, in which the Croatian islands of Vis and Lastovo participated, along with two islands from Greece, France and Ireland, respectively. We also published the handbook “Water Saving Challenge – A Guide to Smart Water Management”. These kind of initiatives need continued support. I believe the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy comes at a much-needed moment to put the issue on the agenda of this EU legislative term. Additionally, investments in Water Management should be adequately addressed in the next MFF.
In your view, how can the MEP Water Group strengthen collaboration with stakeholders across sectors to achieve a Water-Smart Society?
Stine Bosse: The MEP Water Group plays a crucial role in bridging policy and practice. To strengthen collaboration, we must facilitate regular dialogue between policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. More structured engagement through roundtables, policy briefs and site visits can help align EU policies with real-world challenges. Furthermore, integrating water-smart principles into key legislative initiatives, such as the Green Deal and the Industrial Strategy, will ensure a holistic approach. A Water-Smart Society is only possible if all stakeholders work together, and the MEP Water Group is well-positioned to drive this agenda forward.
Tonino Picula: As we are now in the starting months of the new MEP Water Group, I believe we should raise awareness among our citizens concerning water scarcity and sustainable development. The recent figures from the European Environment Agency are worrying. In that sense, I expect our Water Group to actively engage with all the stakeholders, striving to address challenges and to create smart solutions. I would also add that as someone working on topics of security and defence, the importance of our water security should also be seen in terms of current geopolitical challenges.
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