The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) has published its latest Future Trends Report, ‘Engineering the Resilience and Sustainable Development of the European Water Infrastructure: Current Challenges, Risks and Recommendations.’ The report examines the growing pressures on Europe's water systems and presents practical engineering and policy recommendations to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change, increasing water demand and ageing infrastructure.
Europe's water infrastructure is under mounting strain from more frequent droughts and floods, deteriorating assets, growing competition for water resources and emerging security risks. The report concludes that future water resilience will depend on integrating engineering expertise, digital technologies and nature-based solutions, supported by modern regulatory frameworks, long-term investment and quality-based procurement.
EFCA President Inés Ferguson stressed the urgency of action: "Europe's water sector needs a profound change to confront extreme climate, increasing water demands and ageing infrastructure designed for very different conditions. Water resilience requires new systems that integrate engineered reliability with ecological adaptability and data-driven management. Consulting Engineers are the best placed to design, implement, and monitor these systems, and EFCA members stand ready to collaborate with public administrations in delivering the solutions that meet today's social, industrial, and environmental demands."
Emmanuelle Frénéat, Chair of EFCA's Future Trends Committee, highlighted the need for a new engineering approach: “Water resilience is no longer just an environmental issue – it is both an engineering and a governance challenge. Moreover, it is a strategic imperative for Europe’s security, competitiveness and quality of life. Solutions exist and European engineers are ready to provide them. The challenge now is to implement them at the scale and speed required."
As Europe accelerates its efforts to adapt to climate change and strengthen its critical infrastructure, EFCA calls for closer collaboration between policymakers, public authorities and consulting engineers to deliver resilient, sustainable water systems that safeguard citizens, economies and the environment.
Press contact: Sue Arundale, Director General
EDITOR’S NOTE
EFCA has member associations in 27 countries and is the sole European federation representing the business interests of professional engineering consultancy and related services, a sector that employs more than one million staff in Europe.