Irrigation Days 2026: Turning Europe’s Water Resilience Ambitions into Action
On 28–29 September 2026, the European Irrigation Association (EIA) brought its members, European policymakers, water experts and industry representatives together in Brussels for Irrigation Days 2026, under the theme “Irrigation and Smart Water Solutions for Europe’s Water Resilience.” The two-day event explored how the irrigation sector can respond to Europe’s evolving water policies, market developments and growing need for efficient, resilient water management.
Day 1: Market Intelligence, Business and Sector Priorities
The European Irrigation Business & Networking Forum brought EIA members together to discuss market trends, business opportunities and the strategic priorities shaping the sector in 2027 and beyond.
A key moment was the presentation and discussion of the European Irrigation Market Smart Market Report, developed by EIA with ESCP Business School. Members explored the implications of changing regulations, sustainability requirements, digitalisation and investment priorities for irrigation businesses.
The day also included discussions on the future editorial direction of Irrigazette, the EIA General Assembly and a workshop on EU policy, advocacy and market opportunities. Members exchanged views on how the Association can strengthen its role in European policy discussions and support the sector through market intelligence, knowledge sharing and a stronger collective voice.
During the General Assembly, members approved the Association’s 2025 results and 2026 budget, and welcomed four new Board members: Ramon Alcaraz (Azud), Bruno Perroni (Lindsay), Dorothea Sulzbacher (Lite Soil) and André Correia (Rain Bird).
Day 2: Irrigation for a Water-Resilient Europe
The second day focused on the implementation of Europe’s water-resilience ambitions. The high-level roundtable “Irrigation for a Water Resilient Europe” brought together representatives of the European Commission, European Parliament, European Investment Bank, irrigation industry and environmental organisations.
Participants included Pernille Weiss-Ehler, Gaëlle Marion and Dr Lukas Repa from the European Commission; Members of the European Parliament Carmen Crespo Díaz and André Franqueira Rodrigues; Josep Oriol Bellot Miana from the European Investment Bank; Sara Johansson from the European Environmental Bureau; and irrigation-sector representatives Giusy Inferrera (Irritec), Julien Lecollinet (Société du Canal de Provence), Bruno Molle and Moshi Berenstein (EIA).
Discussions addressed the contribution of precision irrigation to water efficiency, the barriers to wider adoption and the measures needed to translate European objectives into practical results. Participants highlighted the importance of investment, professional skills, knowledge transfer, modern infrastructure, coherent policies and reliable methods to measure water efficiency.
The central message was clear: technology alone is not enough. Delivering water resilience requires an integrated approach that combines efficient irrigation systems with appropriate design, monitoring, maintenance, training and cooperation between public authorities, industry and water users.
The programme concluded with a technical visit to ZIN, a major urban redevelopment project in Brussels. Together with BALA, participants explored how integrated irrigation, vegetation and greenhouses can contribute to bringing nature into a dense urban environment.
Looking Ahead
Irrigation Days 2026 reinforced EIA’s commitment to connecting the irrigation sector with European decision-makers and promoting practical, measurable solutions for water resilience. The discussions will inform the Association’s future advocacy, knowledge-transfer and member activities as Europe moves from water policy ambitions towards implementation.
