Investment in water and environmental resilience is now a core pillar of European security, according to Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy. She made the remarks on Thursday during a joint meeting of parliamentary committees in Nicosia.
The meeting took place at the Cyprus Parliament and was co chaired by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Charalambos Theopemptou, and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yiannakis Gavriel.
European policy priorities and the Green Deal
According to a press release issued by the Parliament, the Commissioner outlined the European Union policies falling under her portfolio. She noted that the current geopolitical environment requires the effective implementation of the European Green Deal, with a focus on simplifying the regulatory framework without undermining environmental objectives.
She emphasised that water must be treated as a strategic and vital resource, stressing that its adequacy and quality can no longer be assumed.
Water resilience as a security issue
The Commissioner underlined the importance of the full implementation of European water legislation, describing water as a security issue and a priority for both the European Commission and the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
She stated that water resilience must be addressed at both national and European levels in a coordinated manner.
Forest fires and regional preparedness
Referring to forest fires, the Commissioner welcomed the announcement of the creation of a regional firefighting hub in Cyprus. She highlighted the importance of prevention and preparedness as essential components of climate resilience.
Long term investment and financial planning
Concluding her remarks, the Commissioner said that investments in water, soil, nature restoration and biodiversity are critical to European security and should be addressed in a holistic way within the European Union’s future financial planning.
Positions of parliamentary committee chairs
Yiannakis Gavriel, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, said that water scarcity is a shared challenge for all Mediterranean countries. He referred to the Joint Declaration recently adopted in Nicosia during the Conference of Chairmen of the Agriculture Committees of the Parliaments of the Mediterranean States.
Charalambos Theopemptou, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, stressed the importance of disseminating best practices and guidance provided by the European Commission to Member States on environmental matters. He also highlighted the need to better identify and strengthen bioeconomy projects in Cyprus.