You are invited to join FoodDrinkEurope, co-hosted by MEP Wiezik and MEP Bajada, for a high-level hybrid event dedicated to water resilience.
Building on the findings of FoodDrinkEurope’s Water Report, this session will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and water experts to analyse mounting pressures on water resources and identify collaborative pathways for the food and drink sector to enhance water resilience across Europe.
Why does water resilience matter?
Water is indispensable for the food and drink industry, but it faces mounting stress from pollution, scarcity, and climate-induced droughts. Recognising water resilience as a core component of sustainability and competitiveness is essential as Europe advances its climate, energy, and environmental strategies.
As a major water user, the food and drink sector is actively involved in enhancing water management and efficiency. This event is designed to highlight the industry’s on-the-ground initiatives, showcase concrete best practices, and foster a direct, open dialogue with policymakers.
The discussion will be structured around three pillars of action:
- Behind Factory Gates: Optimising processes through innovation and increasing water efficiency within industrial facilities.
- Collaboration within the Value Chain: Ensuring water sustainability throughout the supply chain, particularly through collaboration and support for farmers.
- Climate Resilience and Landscape Approach: Fostering water resilience in the catchment area and the landscape beyond industrial facilities.
Programme Highlights
- Introduction and policy framing by MEP Michal Wiezik.
- Presentation of the FoodDrinkEurope Water Report by Agnese Ruggiero, Senior Manager for Climate & Food at FoodDrinkEurope.
- First round of questions for Ms. Pernille Weiss-Ehler, Member of Environment Commissioner Roswall’s Cabinet and water resilience expert, and Mr. Andreas Georgiou, Permanent Secretary of the Directorate-General of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cyprus.
- Industry water stewardship case study presentations:
- Water Stewardship: Strengthening local water cycles through technical and natural based solutions, presented by Sian Chapman (Global Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages).
- Water Replenishment: Case studies on wastewater management and nature-based solutions “beyond factory gates,” presented by Jan Burger (Senior Director, Climate & Water Sustainability Europe, Coca-Cola Europe).
- In-Factory Innovation: Methodologies for water recovery and internal industrial case studies, presented by Jean-François Herlem (Climate Transition Leader, Roquette).
- A cross-sector dialogue featuring the hosting MEPs (Wiezik and Bajada), Pernille Weiss-Ehler, Member of ENV Cabinet and water resilience, Andreas Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary of the Directorate-General of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cyprus, WWF representative Claire Baffert, and the industry speakers listed above.
- Interactive Q&A session with the audience followed by concluding remarks from MEP Thomas Bajada.