Water is essential for life, food production, energy supply, and economic activity. Yet Europe increasingly faces a water crisis, with droughts and floods compromising both water quality and quantity across the continent.
Climate change is already affecting water availability, and the situation is expected to worsen. Many EU regions face a growing mismatch between water demand and supply, with southern Europe particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and decreased precipitation.
This STOA study offers an in-depth look at water scarcity in the EU, combining comprehensive foresight methodology with extensive stakeholder consultation. It analyses current trends, projects future scenarios up to 2050, and proposes concrete policy options to ensure Europeans continue to have access to sufficient water resources.
Beyond identifying challenges, the study demonstrates how foresight methodology can help policymakers anticipate future risks and design effective strategies today for tomorrow’s water security.
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Useful link:
• STOA study: ‘The future of water availability and use in the EU: A foresight study and policy options to address water scarcity’