Roswall & Schneider commit to stronger EU water enforcement

Today (5 Oct), in Berlin, Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy and Carsten Schneider, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, signed a joint statement on strengthening water resilience in Germany.

The signing comes just weeks after Commission President von der Leyen again emphasised the EU’s commitment to water resilience in her State of the European Union address.  

The joint statement sets out how Germany, building on its National Water Strategy, will boost efforts to restore and protect the water cycle, build a more water-smart economy, and ensure safe, affordable access to water and sanitation. It also highlights how the Commission will be supporting these efforts.

Germany is the first country to conclude a structured dialogue process, which the Commission started in November 2025 and will gradually involve all Member States. 

"Today marks an important moment in Europe’s fight against water scarcity — getting forward to water resilience, with both the EU and Germany committing to urgent action. Together we have named the challenges, discussed all possible solutions, and produced an improvement plan that will contribute to sufficient and better-quality water for people, businesses, and nature."

Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Addressing water pollution is a top priority, with measures included to reduce legacy mining pollution and to support the transition to sustainable agriculture. Germany will also work to boost natural water retention, keep water abstraction at sustainable levels, improve water efficiency, and secure better control of water resources.

Work with the Federal States will accelerate to better prepare for future occurrences of water scarcity and drought.