The annual European Week of Regions and Cities, taking place in Brussels from 13 to 15 October this year, focuses on the role of Europe’s regions and cities. Representatives from nearly all Dutch water authorities are travelling to Brussels to influence EU water policy, attract investments or project partners, exchange knowledge, and strengthen the international position of the Dutch water authorities among European policymakers.
“Dutch water authorities work closely with European partners. Moreover, European legislation influences national regulations and directly affects the work of Dutch water authorities,” says Luzette Kroon, board member responsible for international affairs at the Unie van Waterschappen (Dutch Water Authorities). “This year, for the first time, the Unie is organising a joint programme for all water authorities during the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC). Water holds a prominent place in the new European mandate, with the Water Resilience Strategy as a starting point. In the coming period, several key topics will also feature on the European agenda, including public procurement, the circular economy, REACH, PFAS, and climate adaptation.”
Intensive programme
On Monday, participants will focus on familiarising themselves with the Brussels policy landscape and current themes. This includes a discussion with Mendeltje van Keulen, researcher and former adviser to the Dutch House of Representatives, who has extensive experience with EU decision-making processes. There will also be an exchange with the German water sector, and discussions on the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
On Tuesday, the focus shifts to engaging with the Brussels network. Meetings are scheduled with Ingeborg ter Laak (Member of the European Parliament for the CDA), Robert van Asten (Member of the European Committee of the Regions, D66), and Jessika van Leeuwen (MEP for BBB). There will also be a session on the Water Resilience Strategy. Under the leadership of watergraaf* Stefan Kuks of the Vechtstromen Water Authority, dijkgraaf* Dirk-Siert Schoonman of the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority will engage in a discussion with representatives from Rabobank, NWB Bank, and the European Commission’s Directorates-General for Environment and Climate Action on the urgency and approach to water resilience in the face of climate change.
On Wednesday, the water authorities will collaborate with provinces and municipalities. Several speakers from regional governments, the European Commission, and the European Parliament will contribute to these discussions.
Dutch Water Authorities in Europe
Under the name Dutch Water Authorities, the Dutch regional water authorities collaborate with European and other international partners. In Brussels, the Unie van Waterschappen and the Association of Dutch Water Companies (Vewin) jointly represent the interests of Dutch water authorities and drinking water companies within the European Union.
More information on the European Week of Regions and Cities: https://regions-and-cities.europa.eu/
More information on the Dutch water authorities and our international work:
www.uvw.nl/internationaal and www.dutchwaterauthorities.com
*The titles ‘dijkgraaf’ and ‘watergraaf’ represent top leadership positions on the board of Dutch water authorities