Delegates at the event in Greece (Photo: FIEC)

The event focused on the theme 鈥淏uilding Tomorrow: Solutions for Water Resilience and Blue Infrastructure,鈥� addressing the growing challenges posed by water scarcity, flooding, and deteriorating water quality across the EU.

Speakers and delegates from the construction sector, EU institutions, and national authorities discussed the risks linked to extreme weather events and the implications for the built environment. The conference placed particular emphasis on the sector鈥檚 potential role in delivering solutions through investment in infrastructure for water treatment, distribution, storage, and flood protection.

Industry leaders highlighted that the current EU legislative framework, including the Water Framework Directive, while comprehensive on water quality, falls short in addressing issues related to water quantity and infrastructure resilience. FIEC called for a more unified and strategic approach within the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, due to be unveiled in June 2025.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, acknowledged the construction sector鈥檚 contribution in supporting the Commission鈥檚 call-for-evidence process.

Roswall said, 鈥淯sing water more efficiently is a strategy for the environment, the economic strength and industrial competitiveness. I sincerely thank FIEC for its valuable contribution to our call-for-evidence [鈥�] that has identified the most urgent needs. Europe is investing in water through cohesion policy funds, national recovery plans and Horizon 2020, among others. The construction sector is essential to delivering solutions, and the EU can only achieve results with its partnership.鈥�

Water resilience: Navigating the challenges of a changing built environment How can contractors address water stress, excess, and water quality amidst new EU legislation?

Greek Deputy Minister and Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis underlined the need for tangible outcomes from the discussions, calling for delegates to leave Athens with a long-term commitment to sustainable water infrastructure.

FIEC, marking its 120th anniversary this year, reiterated its commitment to working with EU policymakers to shape a resilient future. The federation advocated for the creation of a dedicated 鈥淏lue Transition Fund鈥� to consolidate and streamline water-related investments.

The event also featured the launch of FIEC鈥檚 new visual identity, reflecting its ongoing role in promoting sustainability and resilience in the construction industry. A joint policy paper on water resilience, co-published with the European International Contractors (EIC), was presented as part of FIEC鈥檚 broader campaign for a pan-European approach to water and climate-related challenges.