Brussels - The newly-formed Parliamentary Intergroup on Water has convened in Brussels for its first meeting, chaired by Richard Seeber, discussing key challenges for the European water sector. Peter Gammeltoft, Head of Water Unit, and Claude Rouam, Head of Marine Unit, both from the EU Commission's DG Environment, have given the keynote speeches in a special meeting in the European Parliament.

"Water is by far no single-issue topic for environmentalists alone. We are faced with a global challenge affecting our economy, our societies and our environment alike. Our new Intergroup is thus following an encompassing approach. The adaptation to climate change, risks of both flooding and water scarcity will be on the agenda as well as the influence of product design and different production processes. We will deal with the security of infrastructures, the necessity of ensuring technological leadership by the European water industry and the relationship of water, health and biodiversity", announced Richard Seeber.

"Water is of prime importance for both the household and industrial sectors, for the functioning of our ecosystems and agriculture. It is therefore essential to manage the supply and disposal of water wisely to ensure that clean water continues to be available at an affordable cost also in the future. How we manage and use our water resources will directly affect the quality of this resource itself as well as our environment and nature", says Seeber.

"When the EU Water Framework Directive came into force in 2003, 20 percent of European surface waters were seriously threatened, 60 percent of our ground water resources were over-exploited, half of Europe's wetlands suffered from their 'endangered' status due to lack of treatment and over-exploitation. This must change - and the European Union must understand that water and its management has become an important topic throughout many policy areas", said Seeber.

Supported by EUREAU, the European Federation and drinking water and waste water operators, Seeber will organise a range of meetings and conferences. "The Intergroup will meet once a month. Interest from MEPs and stakeholders is very high. I have already invited all future EU Commissioners with related portfolios and am confident that they will accept our invitation", concluded Seeber.

Quelle: EEP group in the European Parliament

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