Commissioner Dubravka Šuica addressed the Croatian Water Supply and Waste-Water Management Association Annual Conference in Vodice on 8 October 2025, emphasizing the critical importance of water management for public health, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
EU Funding and Local Efforts
Šuica highlighted the significant financial contributions from the European Union, noting that €30 billion from the EU's multi-annual budget supports national water supply network maintenance and waste-water treatment upgrades. She cited the €358 million upgrade of Split's waste-water treatment plant in Croatia as a prime example, stressing that governmental and municipal efforts remain essential for effective implementation.
EU's Strategic International Water Initiatives
The Commissioner underlined the EU's broader strategy to enhance water resilience beyond its borders, particularly in the Southern Mediterranean region. She mentioned the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance project in Jordan as a concrete example, which aims to supply 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, addressing acute water scarcity in the capital and surroundings.
Concrete Proposals and Policy Orientation
A key proposal in Šuica's speech was the launch of investment platforms under the forthcoming Pact for the Mediterranean. These platforms are intended to facilitate collaboration among local authorities, international financial institutions, and private investors to finance water management projects. The approach reflects a policy orientation favoring increased EU coordination and investment in water infrastructure both within and beyond EU borders, aiming to enhance sustainability and climate adaptation.
Stakeholder Impact Analysis
EU producers and water infrastructure firms may see new business opportunities from increased investment but could face heightened compliance demands tied to sustainability goals. National and local authorities will likely experience expanded roles and responsibilities in project coordination and implementation, alongside financial and technical support from EU bodies. EU consumers stand to benefit from improved water security and public health outcomes, although the pace of infrastructure upgrades depends on collaborative efficiency. NGOs and civil society actors involved in environmental advocacy may welcome the emphasis on water body status and climate adaptation but could seek more detailed impact assessments.
This speech conveys Commissioner Šuica's position advocating for enhanced EU-led water management investments, increased cooperation with Mediterranean partners, and a focus on resilient, sustainable water infrastructure as a top priority for the coming years.