The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and and Development's (OECD) study 'Financing water supply, sanitation and flood protection: Challenges in EU Member States and Policy Options', conducted jointly with the European Commission and published at the end of May, analyses the investment needs for the water sector to comply with EU legislation (Drinking Water Directive, Urban Waste Water Directive and Floods Directive) as well as the options to bridge the gap. 

The work carried out over the course of two years and in close cooperation with EU countries, highlights that almost all countries will need to increase annual expenditures for water supply and sanitation by more than 25% with total investment needs in the EU reaching €289 billion by 2030.

The study then reviews the options and room for financing from tariffs, taxes and EU funds, and proposes policy recommendations to help meet needs. 

Aqua Publica Europea had worked with the OECD and the European Commission, notably by contributing to two workshops and also as part of the OECD Roundtable on Water Financing. Amongst others, we highlighted the importance of affordability of water (on this topic, see also our publication: Water Affordability - Public Operators Views and Approaches on Tackling Water Poverty). 

The study was launched during the webinar 'Financing Water Services in Europe Now and in the Future'. 

You can read Aqua Publica's interview with Xavier Leflaive (OECD) here. 

You can watch the webinar and read the study on the OECD's website: www.oecd.org/water