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The map of Europe, with the 10 EUWMA countries highlighted
 

The European Union of Water Management Associations (EUWMA) represents public, local and regional water management organizations from ten EU member states: Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Romania and the Netherlands. EUWMA members are public institutions with legal powers.

EUWMA was established in 1996 with the primary aim to increase cooperation between European Water Management Associations, so as to provide relevant information, position papers and policy documents to national governments, the European Commission, the European Parliament and other relevant institutions. In addition, EUWMA promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices between members.  In our view, EU water legislation can only be successful if water is managed at regional level. As water challenges vary in different river basins, solutions should be tailored to local conditions, rather than the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach often favoured by national government departments.

We stand for good and efficient water management, at regional and national level as well as in Europe.

Meindert Smallenbroek
Secretary General of EUWMA

 
 
 
 
 

Issues and interest

The low-lying areas of Europe are under threat from tidal and inland flooding and are dependent on land drainage to sustain land use.

They are also often of high environmental value. This value could be detrimentally affected by the management of flood protection and land drainage systems.

To this extent the water management organizations in these countries are facing the same issues. Cooperation can benefit these organizations, the countries in which they operate, and wider European interests.

Objective

The low-lying areas of Europe are under threat from tidal and inland flooding and are dependent on land drainage to sustain land use.

They are also often of high environmental value. This value could be detrimentally affected by the management of flood protection and land drainage systems.

To this extent the water management organizations in these countries are facing the same issues. Cooperation can benefit these organizations, the countries in which they operate, and wider European interests.