On Monday, 30th June 2008 the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Janez Podobnik, EC Commissioner for the Environment Mr. Stavros Dimas, and the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Hans-Gert Poettering launched the European Water Vision and Aquawareness, the European wide awaraness and water stewardship programme within the European Parliament. According to Mr. Poettering, “awareness of the current water situation in Europe and its challenges as well as a vision for the future of Europe’s water are crucial drivers in order to strive for a sustainable water management.”

 


The European Water Vision and Aquawareness were initiated by the EWP and developed in close cooperation with MEP Dr. Richard Seeber as well as with wide ranging stakeholders. The mission of the Vision states that “we have achieved sustainable water resource management and universal access to modern and safe water supply and sanitation by 2030 because the inhabitants in Europe value water in all its dimensions – in its economic, social, environmental and cultural importance”.

The European Union Institutions discussed together with high level representatives from the business, agricultural and NGO sectors concrete actions and new ways of partnerships for realizing and implementing the Vision. Mr. Podobnik stated that “the Slovenian Presidency welcomes and strongly supports the new partnership approach taken by the EWP in cooperation with MEP Dr. Seeber.”

Additionally, Mr. Dimas stressed that “Aquawareness is an excellent and timely initiative, responding directly to the challenges highlighted in the Commission’s Communication and its necessary follow-up with all stakeholders”.