While Europe is by large considered as having adequate water resources, water scarcity and drought is an increasingly frequent and widespread phenomenon in the European Union. The long term imbalance resulting from water demand exceeding available water resources is no longer uncommon.

It was estimated that by 2007, at least 11 % of Europe's population and 17 % of its territory had been affected by water scarcity, putting the cost of droughts in Europe over the past thirty years at EUR 100 billion. The Commission expects further deterioration of the water situation in Europe if temperatures keep rising as a result of climate change. Water is no longer the problem of a few regions, but now concerns all 500 million Europeans.

Objectives

The main overall objective of EU water policy is to ensure access to good quality water in sufficient quantity for all Europeans, and to ensure the good status of all water bodies across Europe. Therefore, policies and actions are set up in order to prevent and to mitigate water scarcity and drought situations, with the priority to move towards a water-efficient and water-saving economy.

EU Action

The major challenge from water scarcity and droughts has been recognised in the Communication “Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts" from the European Commission adopted in 2007 [COM(2007)414]. Implementation of the Communication is periodically assessed through annual Follow-up Reports.

2012 Water Scarcity and Droughts Policy Review

Based on the periodical Follow-up results, assessment of the River Basin Management Plans and further information which has not been addressed so far, a Policy Review for water scarcity and droughts is envisaged for 2012, which will be . part of the "Blue Print for Safeguarding European Waters" announced by Environment Commissioner Potočnik at the hearings in the European Parliament in January 2010.

This review will be informed by specific assessments and studies on the state of the art and good practice of policies and measures to prevent and/or minimize water scarcity and drought situations, in the fields of water efficiency, better planning and other instruments.

• Building Blocks for the WS&D Policy Review

Current and previous studies that will contribute to the 2012 Policy Review

Please see below for more information on EU action on water scarcity and drought

• About Water Scarcity and Droughts

What are the differences between water scarcity and drought?

• EU Action on Water Scarcity and Drought

Policy development from 2007 to present: The 2007 Communication, Follow-Up Reports, and preparations for the 2012 Policy Review

• Other Instruments

 Other instruments to deal with water scarcity and drought

• Good Practices and Learned Lessons

Related research projectsand resources

• Links

For more information

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