Measures to ensure adequate funding for water resilience in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the EU — including development, maintenance, and modernization of infrastructure — are being requested by Dimitris Tsiodras in a question he submitted to the European Commission.

He also asks the Commission whether it is considering giving priority to water within existing funding programs.

The MEP and spokesperson of the EPP delegation of New Democracy points out that the Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework does not include a separate fund, despite the fact that in a recent Report, the Parliament “calls on the Commission to create a distinct and dedicated fund for water resilience within the framework of the upcoming MFF.”

He emphasizes that the recent Water Resilience Strategy recognizes that “without significant additional public and private investments at all stages of water management, progress towards water resilience will be very slow or lack meaningful impact,” while the related investment gap is estimated at around €25 billion annually.

He concludes by stressing the need to create special financing mechanisms within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund to support water-smart technologies and water supply investments.

Text of the question:

Question for written answer to the Commission

Subject: Ensuring adequate funding for water resilience within the framework of the new Multiannual Financial Framework

The recent Water Resilience Strategy recognizes that “without significant additional public and private investments at all stages of water management, progress towards water resilience will be very slow or lack meaningful impact,” while the related investment gap is estimated at around €25 billion annually.

Conclusion
The Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework does not include a separate fund, despite the fact that in a recent Report the Parliament “calls on the Commission to create a distinct and dedicated fund for water resilience within the framework of the upcoming MFF.”

In light of the above:

1. How does it intend to ensure sufficient funding in the next MFF for water resilience, including the development, maintenance, and modernization of infrastructure?
2. Does it intend to create special financing mechanisms within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund, to support water-smart technologies and water supply investments?
3. Is it considering giving priority to water within existing funding frameworks?