​At the June plenary session, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) unanimously adopted an opinion on the Blue Deal, presented by Mr Karl Vanlouwe, president of the EA group.

The EU Blue Deal concept is gaining traction among EU institutions and key stakeholders. With increasing pressure, it seems inevitable that the European Commission will need to intensify its efforts on this issue. In 2019, 29% of EU territory experienced water stress for at least one season, and water scarcity is already forcing local and regional authorities (LRAs) to declare drought emergencies, fueling tensions in local communities and cross-border regions.

In his opinion, Mr Vanlouwe outlines a detailed and forward-thinking strategy for water management across the EU, recognizing water as a critical strategic priority and fundamental resource. This comprehensive plan calls for integrating water conservation and efficiency measures into all sectors of the economy, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address specific regional water challenges. The strategy highlights the importance of policy coherence across different sectors to effectively manage water-related risks and advocates for establishing a European framework and platform on water. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation among local authorities and services, fostering a collaborative approach to water management.

Mr Vanlouwe stated, “Minister Zuhal Demir's Flemish Blue Deal has been praised internationally by experts and policymakers. It is therefore time to share and implement the best practices from Flanders, but also from across the EU, by investing in innovation and cooperation across national borders and regions.”

He added, "Our opinion focuses primarily on the role of agriculture in water policy. Indeed, it is a sector that will be very important for the future. The challenges for agriculture are therefore huge and difficult, especially considering everything is complicated by drought, river evaporation, and irregular rainfall. Key elements of the strategy include a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and the adoption of nature-based solutions. I would also highlight the necessity of incorporating actions against water scarcity into Horizon Europe missions, showcasing the EU's leadership in water-efficient technologies."