New European Commissioners for water resilience, environmental sustainability, circular economy and climate action.
On 17 September, EU-president Von der Leyen presented four European Commissioners whose portfolios focus on key areas such as water resilience, environmental sustainability, the circular economy and climate action.
The candidates participated in public hearings before the European Parliament from 4 to 12 November. Public hearings allow Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to scrutinise and assess the qualifications, expertise, and policy intentions of the Commissioner-designates.
While the candidates remained quite general on water-related issues, it looks clear that sound water management and water industry’s competitiveness will be among the key priorities of the next EU Commission’s mandate, which should start its work in December 2024 – January 2025 when the Commission is officially approved by the European Parliament.
Hereunder is an overview of the candidates’ answers on topics relevant for EIA.
- Jessika Roswall – Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy(Sweden)
- On the Water Resilience Strategy:
Context: the Water Resilience Strategy is a cornerstone piece of legislation announced by the European Commission months ago. It should take the form of a comprehensive and holistic set of policy and funding initiatives to tackle challenges related to water use and management. The Water Resilience Strategy should be released in the first six months of 2025.
- Roswall outlined that the overall objective of the European Water Resilience Strategy will be to preserve water quality and quantityin the EU and beyond, enhance the competitiveness of the water industry, and address the root causes of water challenges, including pollution, scarcity, and the impacts of climate change.
- The Water Resilience Strategy will promote the development and utilisation of new technologiesby facilitating access to finance. This will build on the EU water sector’s existing innovative edge and expertise in water infrastructure, water efficiency, digitalisation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- On water use in farming:
- Roswall expressed her commitment to contributing to a vision for agriculture and food that rewards sustainable agricultural practices.
- She highlighted the potential of the bioeconomy for farmers, emphasizing the need to use natural resources mindfully, in a context of water stress. The European Commission will work on specific measures to support water-resilient agricultural practicesand address the negative impact of nutrients and pesticides on water quality.
It is worth mentioning that Mrs Roswall was strongly challenged by the MEPs for her lack of experience on environmental matters and her country of origin’s poor performances in reaching climate targets (Sweden). However, due to political trades between political parties at EU level, Mrs Roswall should be approved for the position.
- Christophe Hansen – Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food:
Mr Hansen outlined that he would work jointly with Mrs Roswall to ensure that the Water Resilience Strategy helps farmers achieve a water-smart agriculture.
Mr Hansen also mentioned that the Common Agricultural Policy support remains essential for actions to improve soil health, to maintain and create landscape features which have mitigating effects, as well as to invest in better infrastructures for irrigation and water re-use, and to support precision farming.
- Teresa Ribera Rodríguez – Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Mrs Ribera Rodriguez, in her role of Executive Vice-President, will oversee the actions of Commissioner Roswall. As such, she pointed out that she wants the Water Resilience Initiative to focus on the competitiveness of water-related industries.
- Stéphane Séjourné – Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
As part as the Industrial Strategy to be implemented during the next mandate, Stéphane Séjourné outlined that:
- Measures will be implemented to promote the use of green chemicals and technologies that reduce water consumption and pollution.
- The European Commission will put forward chemical legislation revisions (REACH, PFAS) to prevent water contamination.
What is next?
After the hearings, MEPs will assess the candidates and prepare their evaluation letters. Commissioners-designate may be asked to answer more written questions or be invited for a resumed hearing.
Once the confirmation hearings are closed, the Commission President is invited to present the College of Commissioners-designate and its programme during a debate in plenary, following which the European Parliament votes on the Commission’s College as a whole.
Once approved by the European Parliament, the European Commission will publish a Work Programme (expected early 2025).