The Renew Group in the European Parliament has tabled three amendments to the draft recommendation on promoting transnational governance on water for conflict prevention and peace, introducing the politically charged concept of "ecocide" and broadening the scope of fair water distribution beyond interstate relations. The amendments, published on 10 June 2026, target the report by rapporteur Leoluca Orlando (A10-0150/2026).
Amendment 7 is the most significant, adding "as well as for acts of ecocide" to a paragraph that originally called for "justice and compensation for the deliberate targeting and destruction of water supplies and infrastructure." This elevates the framing from a war crime against civilians to a crime against the environment itself, aligning with ongoing international efforts to recognize ecocide under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The term is politically sensitive and may face opposition from groups preferring traditional international humanitarian law approaches.
Amendment 6 deletes the phrase "between countries" from a clause promoting cooperation for fair water distribution. The original text focused on interstate relations; the deletion implies that fair distribution should also apply within countries, including between regions, communities, and users such as agriculture versus domestic use. This broadens the recommendation to cover intra-state water conflicts and local governance.
Amendment 5 is a technical correction, re-tabling the original text without substantive change, likely to allow a separate vote on that paragraph.
No other political groups have submitted amendments, suggesting broad consensus on the original text or that other groups are reserving their positions for the plenary vote. The Renew amendments are expected to be the main points of debate.
EU member states may face pressure to adopt stronger accountability mechanisms for environmental damage in conflict zones, potentially affecting foreign policy and legal frameworks. The European Commission and the European External Action Service would need to integrate ecocide considerations into diplomatic and development programs. Environmental NGOs and civil society groups would welcome the stronger language, while business sectors involved in water infrastructure in conflict-prone regions could face increased legal risks. The broadening of fair distribution may also affect agricultural and industrial water users within countries, as it could lead to more stringent allocation rules.
The draft recommendation is scheduled for a plenary vote, where the amendments will be debated. The outcome will shape the Parliament's position ahead of any interinstitutional discussions.
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