Cairo: In a compelling address at the opening ceremony of Cairo Water Week 2025, Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, emphasized the importance of water management on the global agenda. Speaking on the banks of the Nile, Roswall highlighted the historical significance of the river and the pressing need for international collaboration to address water challenges.
According to European Union, Roswall pointed out that the European continent has already suffered significant economic losses due to water-related issues, with extreme weather events costing Europe 43 billion euros this summer alone. This figure is projected to rise to 129 billion euros by 2029. She stressed that water scarcity affects approximately one-third of the EU population and highlighted the spread of desertification in various parts of Europe, impacting agriculture, forests, and biodiversity.
Roswall outlined the European Water Resilience Strategy, which focuses on restoring and protecting the water cycle, building a water-smart economy, and ensuring clean and affordable water for all. The EU is committed to supporting water infrastructure globally, advancing water diplomacy, and fostering transboundary water management. The strategy also aims to close the financing gap in the sector through strategic partnerships.
The EU's Water Partnership with Egypt was highlighted as a key initiative, with plans to enhance technical cooperation and investment in Integrated Water Resources Management. The partnership will prioritize circular economy approaches and focus on water quantity management, drought and flood risk management, and climate change adaptation.
Roswall commended Egypt and Minister Sewilam for their leadership in addressing water and climate challenges. She emphasized the need to build on the momentum created by the 2023 UN Water Conference and the UNEA-6 resolution to achieve tangible results at the upcoming UN Water Conference.
The European Union is actively engaged in water management initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa, collaborating with countries like Morocco and Jordan. Roswall concluded by reaffirming the EU's commitment to leading efforts in global water resilience and sustainable management, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and investments for a resilient future.