The European Commission calls on EU countries to reduce water consumption by 10%.

The European Commission calls on EU countries to reduce water consumption by at least 10% by 2030 due to the threat of prolonged droughts and climate change, reports the Financial Times.

The publication notes that this is the first time the European Commission specifies water consumption standards and expresses concern over dwindling water supplies.

The developed plan is aimed at ensuring greater resilience for the EU in times of crises when the demand for water exceeds its supply. According to the European Commission, €23 billion is needed annually to support water supply infrastructure.

The European Investment Bank is preparing a €15 billion program that will help finance water supply infrastructure in 2025-2027.

Climate change and pressure on the present

The average temperature on the planet in 2024 exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C, leading to an increase in extreme weather events.

It is predicted that over the next hundred years, the temperature could rise by another 2.7°C.

Residents of the United Kingdom are already forced to use water more rationally due to drought, and restrictions on its use are likely to be implemented soon.