Flagship project
Strengthening EU–China cooperation on water
Advancing EU-China cooperation for water security and achievement of water-related Sustainable Development Goals.
The challenge
Against the backdrop of increasing water insecurity and climate impacts, the EU Water Agenda and China's national water plans recognise the need for sustainable water management and closer cooperation to tackle scarcity, pollution and climate-related risks. China can benefit from European expertise in integrated water governance, while the EU can take China's lessons in large-scale water management. As one of the world's largest economies, China's engagement is also essential to advancing the water-related SDGs and the EU's global water objectives.
Our goal
This initiative brings together experts, policymakers from the EU, its Member States, and China to share solutions on water issues. By encouraging open dialogue and collaboration, the project helps strengthen the EU's global leadership on water security and supports progress toward water-related Sustainable Development Goals – tackling global challenges with China's active involvement.
Our approach
Building on over 20 years of collaboration between the EU and China, this project takes a partnership-driven approach to tackling water management challenges. It:
a) Helps organize and carry out the EU-China Policy Dialogue on Water and activities of the China-Europe Water Platform (CEWP), bringing key players to the table. b) Works closely with EU Member States to develop and implement practical solutions for shared water priorities – like climate-resilient river management, digital innovation, circular water use, corporate responsibility, water finance, and the interconnected Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) approach. c) Enhances coordination and visibility of EU and Member State cooperation with China, ensuring that Member States contribute under a shared EU framework and are recognised as co-leaders in advancing EU-China water cooperation.
Key highlights
- Supported the 3rd EU-China Water Policy Dialogue and the 11th CEWP High-Level Conference in Brussels (February 2026), bringing leaders together to advance water cooperation.
- Strengthened coordination among the EU, CEWP, and Member States – including The Netherlands, Portugal, France, Hungary, Sweden, and Finland – to ensure a unified and lasting approach to EU-China water collaboration.
- Supported The Netherlands' RESUREXION initiative (2025-2026), helping draft joint EU-China guidelines for urban flood and drought resilience.
- Contributed to France's OiEau-led River Basin Twinning initiative, supporting technical and policy exchanges on nature-based solutions, river basin governance, and digital water management. This work resulted in formal twinning agreements between Chinese, French, and Hungarian river basins.
- Compiled Chinese best practices on Payments for Ecosystem Services, working with Portugal to inform EU ecosystem restoration efforts.
- Collaborating with the EU and OECD to identify leading approaches in water finance.
- Provided targeted analysis of China's water policy framework to EU officials and helped Chinese counterparts better understand EU water regulations and strategies.
- Raised the profile of EU-China water cooperation at major international events, including the 2024 World Water Forum and Asia International Water Week.
Special features
Shaping better policies
The project delivers actionable recommendations that help the EU and China create and refine water management strategies.
Strengthening partnerships
By fostering closer collaboration between EU Member States and China, the project creates a strong foundation for ongoing policy exchange and joint efforts in sustainable water management.
Sharing knowledge
The project actively promotes the exchange of ideas and expertise among policymakers and technical specialists, ensuring that everyone benefits from shared experiences and innovative solutions.
Impressions
