Nicosia:The urgent need to bolster Europe's resilience to water scarcity and climate change was underscored by European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, during the recent Circular Water Economy Conference 2026 at the University of Cyprus. The event gathered representatives from European and national institutions, academia, businesses, and water management organizations to discuss the future of water management.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Commissioner Kadis highlighted the new European framework for climate resilience, emphasizing that addressing water scarcity has become a strategic priority for the continent. He pointed out the necessity of protecting water resources, calling it an environmental, economic, and strategic security imperative.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, addressed the structural water challenges facing Cyprus due to prolonged droughts, variable rainfall, and growing demand. He advocated for long-term planning to secure water supply, protect resources, and enhance resilience against future challenges. The Minister also mentioned the government's ongoing review of the water sector's organization to create a more coherent and resilient system.

The conference also featured insights from the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cyprus, Wouter Plomp, who stressed the importance of European cooperation in water resource management. He noted that climate change presents common challenges for both Mediterranean and Northern European countries, necessitating the exchange of expertise and experience in water conservation and retention.