EU-China Water Policy Dialogue to define joint actions for more water resilience

On 2 February 2026, Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, will co-chair the third EU-China Water Policy Dialogue together with the Chinese Minister of Water Resources, Li Guoying. As water scarcity is rising, this Dialogue demonstrates how increased cooperation can strengthen global water governance.

During the Dialogue, the parties will exchange views on how to jointly address global water challenges. They will take stock and look ahead at how best to build resilient, climate-proof water systems and societies, and how to safeguard them for future generations. They will also discuss priorities and objectives for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference and align positions on key issues, such as the establishment of a regular inter-governmental process on water.

Commissioner Roswall will also present the EU Water Resilience Strategy, put forward by the Commission in June 2025. The Strategy highlights that strong European global leadership on water resilience is an opportunity to build strategic alliances with international partners. Following this Dialogue, Commissioner Roswall will host the China-Europe Water Platform (CEWP) High-Level Conference. Complementary to the Dialogue, this Conference will discuss progress of the CEWP work on the basin governance under climate change and on innovative water financing.

Commissioner Roswall, said: “Global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. This is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense, due to climate change. The good news is that solutions are available, as our EU Water Resilience Strategy demonstrates. I am happy that together with China we share a common understanding of the water pressures and a joint resolve to that we must work together to act on them globally.”

Source: European Commission