European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to deepening its Water Partnership with Egypt, calling for stronger global cooperation to confront the mounting water crisis.
In her keynote speech at the opening of Cairo Water Week, Roswall said the Nile “has shaped human civilization for thousands of years” and remains a powerful symbol of humanity’s shared dependence on water. She stressed that water is “our most precious resource and the lifeblood of our world,” noting that growing scarcity and pollution have placed global ecosystems and economies at risk.
“The water cycle is spinning out of control – and our food systems, energy security, health and economic prosperity are at risk,” she said. “We are in this together.”
Roswall highlighted that the EU Water Resilience Strategy, adopted in June, outlines a roadmap toward a sustainable water future. The strategy focuses on three main pillars: restoring and protecting the water cycle from source to sea, building a water-smart economy to boost competitiveness, and ensuring clean and affordable water for all.
She noted that the European Investment Bank will invest €15 billion by 2027 to help tackle Europe’s water crisis and support projects that promote resilience, innovation and infrastructure improvements.
Roswall warned that by 2030, global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40%, with five of the top ten long-term global business risks identified by the World Economic Forum being water-related. “The call for action is loud and clear,” she said. “The urgency is clear. But the good news is also clear — solutions are available through science, innovation and cooperation.”
The commissioner praised Egypt’s leadership in advancing international water diplomacy, citing the efforts of Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and Egypt’s role in the 2023 UN Water Conference and the UNEA-6 resolution on strengthening water policies for sustainable development.
Roswall said the EU-Egypt Water Partnership will focus on practical cooperation in areas such as drought and flood management, climate change adaptation, safe reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture, and improved irrigation practices. The partnership will also promote circular economy approaches and joint research and innovation.
“The European Union is proud of its partnership with Egypt — one that delivers concrete results,” she said. “Investing in water resilience is an investment in our future.”
Roswall also underlined the EU’s broader engagement with the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean, Morocco and Jordan on sustainable water management projects.
“Water resilience is a regional and global challenge that demands regional and global cooperation,” she concluded. “The European Union is ready to lead these efforts with Egypt and other partners — for people, for societies, and for the health of our planet.”
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