Under the leadership of the JRC, in close partnership with the Directorates-General for Environment (DG ENV) and Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), and European Water Associations, the academy is dedicated to meeting capacity needs and fostering skills development within Europe’s water sector. 

Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and practical applications by providing advanced training, supporting innovation, and promoting collaboration among public and private water-related stakeholders across Europe.

Our mission

Under the leadership of the JRC, in close partnership with The Directorates-General for Environment (DG ENV) and Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), and European Water Associations, the academy is dedicated to meeting capacity needs and fostering skills development within Europe’s water sector. 

Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and practical applications by providing advanced training, supporting innovation, and promoting collaboration among public and private water-related stakeholders across Europe.

Structure and Governance

The European Water Academy is structured as a network of networks, unified by three core principles that guide all its activities:

1. Lab-to-Fab Principle: This ensures that innovative solutions - both technological and non-technological - are market-ready and scalable. Special focus is placed on merging AI with other technologies (genetics, advanced bio-engineering, material sciences, etc.), applying the eco-factory concept to enhance the value of used water, and identifying promising methods to address water challenges.
2. Living Labs Principle: Real-world application sites not only showcase successful Lab-to-Fab initiatives but also serve as training grounds embedded in local contexts. This approach builds on previous efforts, such as those funded by INTERREG, HORIZON EUROPE, or the LIFE Programme.
3. Hands-on Training: Effective training will be delivered in local languages with centralised content and quality controls. This includes training innovators in customer discovery and fostering public engagement to drive acceptance of new solutions.

Flagship Pilot Programs

Two flagship pilot programs, the Wastewater Surveillance Academy for Health and the Water Reuse Risk Management Community of Practice, are already in progress. These programs demonstrate our commitment to pragmatic partnerships between leading Commission services and the water sector, with both private and public stakeholders co-leading and contributing to the design of actions.

We are proud to collaborate with a range of partners from across the water sector.

European Water Resilience Strategy

In 2025, the European Commission published a water resilience strategy to transform the way, the EU manages water while driving businesses competitiveness and innovation and sustainability. The strategy provides a robust policy framework designed to complement and reinforce existing legislation while addressing new and intensifying challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, droughts, floods, and pollution. The European Water Resilience Strategy has three key objectives:

• Restore and protect the water cycle from source to sea and adopt water-smart practices and green infrastructure
• Build a water-smart economy by reducing water consumption, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting digital solutions
• Ensuring access to clean and affordable water to all.

Learn more about the European Water Resilience Strategy.

Related Links

EU Water Resilience Strategy

Water reuse

Knowledge Hub for Water

EU Wastewater Observatory for Public Health