Polski
Water conservation is a key strategy for the well-being of today’s and future generations, representatives of the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee(EESC) write in an open letter to the European Commission. In their view, without the Blue Deal initiative, the Green Deal policy cannot be effectively implemented.
Call to action
The authors of the letter to the EC are Pernille Weiss, a member of the European Parliament, and Pietro de Lotto, chairman of the EESC’s Consultative Commission on the Future of Europe. Industry Transformation. The document was signed by 22 MEPs, who agree that water should be a priority for the EU in the coming years. In a month’s time, on October 26, the EESC will present its appeal to EU institutions and other stakeholders.
The open letter follows a series of documents adopted by the EESC in July this year. At the same time, it precedes the elections to the European Parliament, which will be held next June. The idea is simple – before the change of power, it is necessary to emphasize the need for major policy changes regarding water resources in Europe, in other words, the Blue Deal strategy.
What is the Blue Deal?
“The Blue Deal” is an initiative to turn the previous piecemeal approach to water conservation into a comprehensive policy, integrated with other pro-environmental measures. According to the letter’s signatories, this holistic approach will ensure that all EU citizens have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, in accordance with universal human rights and at acceptable prices.
Blue Deal is intended to be an extension of the Green Deal strategy. The letter’s authors argue that it will serve the public, the environment and the industry. Its implementation is crucial and urgent in the face of the episodes of drought, heat and water shortages that are already hitting Europe.
Water protection in the EU – EESC recommendations
Blue Deal advocates the need for active water conservation. It should include not only reducing consumption, but also recycling and reusing domestic water, implementing water-efficient technologies in industry, and reducing pollution. Relevant analyses and restructuring plans should be created for each sector.
The proposed EESC recommendations also apply to EU consumers. They should be supported in choosing water-efficient devices while guaranteeing a fair price for water. Households should be encouraged to collect rainwater and actively use it.
The fight against water poverty calls for increased investment in water and sanitation infrastructure. This priceless resource should not be a commercial commodity, but rather a public good. It is therefore recommended that the needs of more economically vulnerable groups be taken into account.
Restructuring of water prices in the EU should take into account the principle that the polluter pays. At the same time, the tariff system would prevent overconsumption. In the long term, the Blue Deal strategy is expected to increase the resilience of European society to possible water shortages.
No more passivity, or Blue Deal in practice
In an open letter to the EC, the signatories stress the need for proactive action. According to the authors, today’s inaction “will cost five times more than the investments needed to reduce water risks to industry.” Meanwhile, in water-intensive sectors like hydrogen or semiconductor production, this resource is clearly getting lost in the value chain.
The direct appeal is to the EC Vice President, who is responsible for water management. The letter’s authors encourage a more active response to challenges arising from, among other things. From climate change. In today’s situation, inaction is no longer acceptable, Blue Deal supporters write.
