About: water
Policy loopholes mean EU farming is haemorrhaging water, say auditors
The European Court of Auditors has condemned weak, and poorly enforced policies that they say give farmers a free pass to abuse water use, levying damning criticism at EU's farming subsidy programme.
Agri Commissioner backs call for polluter pays principle in farming
The farming sector should be made financially responsible for pollution, especially water pollution, according to a new report by the European court of auditors, an idea welcomed by the EU's Agriculture Commissioner.
Media Partnership – The European Green Deal: How does the German Mineral Water Sector Contribute?
The European Green Deal affects sectors of the European economy in different ways and poses a major challenge.
Pesticide challenge leaving French viticulture with little choice
Wine is France's national pride but it represents a significant challenge for the country. Viticulture needs plenty of pesticides, mainly because of fungicides, but the sector continues to face many difficulties in changing its practices. EURACTIV France reports.
ECDC: Legionella outbreak may be reduced with appropriate controls
A new community outbreak of Legionella in Belgium's Flanders region renewed public attention to the so-called Legionnaires' disease, which is increasing in the EU, according to the EU agency for infectious diseases control.
EU clean water laws under attack from industry lobbyists
Industry lobbies are mounting a push to roll back EU clean water regulations, even though less than half of the continent’s rivers, wetlands and lakes are in a healthy state. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
No water, no agriculture
The state of Europe’s water ecosystems puts a big question mark over the future availability of freshwater, for people and for all manner of industry, not least for food production and agriculture, writes Jabier Ruiz.
EU countries call for strict health rules on ‘water contact materials’
An overwhelming majority of member states have voiced support for stricter EU rules on drinking water, saying the same level of safety should apply to products coming in contact with water as for those coming in contact with food.
Time to invest in Europe’s water infrastructure
Europe’s water infrastructure is ageing in all EU member states. The European Commission is at a pivotal moment and should decide to invest during the next MFF (2021-2027) to reap the health and environmental benefits, and to save money in the long term, writes Klara Ramm.
Search for new urban water sparks conflict in parched Malawi
With increasingly prolonged droughts threatening worsening water shortages, Malawi is moving to shore up water supplies to its cities, including building new long-distance pipelines and dams.
How Europe can make its water sector energy neutral
The new EU Drinking Water Directive could be the tool to reduce water losses, cut energy consumption and deliver better quality of water, writes Mads Warming.
Enhancing water security in urban areas
The rise in the urban population worldwide is expected to lead to a 50% increase in demand for energy and water, generating challenges that exert pressure on water resources and threaten global water security, writes Benedito Braga.
Increased drugs’ use threatens aquatic environment, report says
The steady ageing of Europe's population will result in an increased consumption of medicines, which will consequently lead to higher concentrations of pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment and pose potential threats to public health, a new study has warned.
Cape Town shares lessons of record drought
Cape Town, South Africa’s second largest city, is experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Gareth Morgan, trade and investment officer for the city, told EURACTIV.com that the crisis was also an opportunity to seek solutions which could be of use in other parts of Africa.
Climate change exacerbates threat of terrorism
From South America to the Middle East, the effects of climate change appear to exacerbate the problems of organised crime and terrorism. The UN and German think tank Adelphi have raised the alarm. EURACTIV France reports.
European companies compete for water solutions
European companies are competing in the petri-dish of innovative projects looking to provide water solutions in the arid lands of the eastern Arabian Peninsula, writes Stuart Reigeluth.
Europe leads sustainable development agenda
Sustainability should be integrated as a leitmotif and goal of every policy formulated and implemented, writes Stuart Reigeluth. InfographicPromoted content
Waste no water – The essential role of nickel
Water is a fundamental human need. By 2025, the World Bank has estimated that water demand will exceed supply by 40% as the world’s growing population requires more water.
Food security in the face of climate change: Impossible without water
Development agencies must use the momentum from COP22 to prioritise water infrastructure projects and help mitigate the effects of climate change and extreme weather events in Africa, write Elke Herrfahrdt-Pähle and Waltina Scheumann.
Israeli water chief: ‘You must talk to neighbours to avoid climate change conflicts’
Israel is one of the world leaders in water desalination. But now it faces a new challenge - climate change. EURACTIV.com spoke with the Deputy Director General of Israel's Water and Sewage Authority, Oded Fixler. VideoPromoted content
Water reuse: mitigating water scarcity
Europe needs to establish EU-wide common minimum quality standards for water reuse that protect both people’s health and the environment. Water operators are working with the European institutions and Member States to bring in water reuse legislation.
EU must guarantee the safety of materials and products in contact with drinking water
Materials that come into contact with drinking water must be fit for purpose. A common, EU-wide approach is needed to protect health and break down barriers to the single market, writes Claudia Castell-Exner.
The Internet of Things can help achieve the SDGs
The Internet of Things already promises to transform daily life in rich countries. And a new generation of farming and healthcare techniques is improving the quality of life of the world's poorest populations. Our partner La Tribune reports.