Water4EU Manifesto
This manifesto is more than a call for policy change; it is a call for collective responsibility.
The Water4EU Manifesto calls on EU institutions, Member States and local authorities to act now and adopt these measures as part of a coordinated strategy to make free drinking water accessible. As Europe enters a new era shaped by climate pressures, increasing heatwaves, and growing water stress, ensuring access to safe drinking water in public spaces becomes a matter of urgency, dignity, and resilience.
By aligning our efforts with the values of equity, sustainability, and democratic participation, we have the opportunity to transform how water is understood and governed across Europe. Water4EU stands as a platform for collaboration, where citizens, especially young people, can actively contribute to shaping solutions that respond to real needs.
The future of water in Europe depends on the choices we make today. Access to water must no longer be treated as a privilege, but as a shared responsibility and a guaranteed right. Together, we can build a Europe where water is accessible to all, and where no one is left behind.
Introduction
Access to safe and free drinking water is a fundamental human right and a public good, yet across Europe it remains uneven, restricted, or monetised, especially in high-traffic public spaces such as airports, train stations, schools, and public institutions. This gap disproportionately affects young people, children, elders, and vulnerable groups, while contributing to the overuse of single-use plastic bottles and the environmental and social costs associated with them. Climate change and extreme heat events, which are increasing in frequency and intensity across Europe, exacerbate these challenges, making the lack of public water access a pressing concern for human health, equity, and sustainability.
The Water4EU project addresses this fundamental yet often overlooked issue. It builds upon a proven foundation of grassroots activism and youth-led advocacy, particularly the KA154 Erasmus+ project “Thirsty for Solutions” in Romania. This campaign emerged in 2024 following a critical heatwave incident at Otopeni Airport, where a ventilation failure during five days of extreme heat left travelers without access to water. Together with the pressure from multiple stakeholders and the resulting advocacy led, by February 2026, to free potable water at Otopeni and Băneasa Airport and soon the installation of potable water fountains, a tangible demonstration of how youth-led initiatives can directly influence public policy and infrastructure.
While the “Thirsty for Solutions” campaign laid the groundwork at the national level, Water4EU scales this validated model to a continental level, striving to make access to free drinking water a standard European right. The project creates a transnational youth network and strengthens grassroots organisations, bridging the gap between local activism and EU-level policy reform. Anchored in the EU values of human dignity, equality, and sustainability, Water4EU emphasizes that safe drinking water must be guaranteed as a public good rather than a privilege. Youth and civil society are calling for water justice and water resilience. Through initiatives like the Thirsty for Solutions Ambassadors, young people are shaping youth-driven policy recommendations for Europe, advocating for equitable access to water, resilient infrastructure and inclusive governance. Their voices are central to transforming grassroots advocacy into EU-level action and ensuring that water rights are protected for all.
Water4EU aligns closely with existing EU frameworks and strategic priorities, including the Water Framework Directive, the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the ECI Right to Water and WaterWiseEU campaign and with the key takeaways from the One-Day Stakeholder Meeting in Dakar, Senegal, in connection with the High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. By promoting transnational cooperation, youth participation in democratic life, and structured dialogue with policymakers, the project translates grassroots advocacy into coordinated European action.
This manifesto calls on EU institutions and policymakers to take urgent action: guarantee free potable water in public spaces, strengthen infrastructure, and empower citizens, particularly young people, to participate in shaping water governance.
Water4EU envisions a Europe where water is accessible, sustainable, and resilient—a Europe where no one has to ask the simple question: “Why is drinking water still a privilege in public spaces?”
Our Vision
Water4EU envisions a Europe where:
- Water is not a luxury, but a human right: accessible to all, without barriers.
- Water as a public good: protected, sustainably managed and freely available in public spaces.
- Youth are co-creators: actively shaping water governance, infrastructure, and climate-resilient solutions.
Youth Principles and Perspectives
The Water4EU Manifesto is grounded in the lived experiences, expectations, and urgency expressed by young people during the Bootcamp of Young Multipliers (19-22 March 2026), as part of the „Thirsty for Solutions” KA154 Erasmus+ Project. Through participatory workshops and consultations, youth voices clearly highlight that access to free drinking water is not only a matter of infrastructure, but of dignity, equity, and climate resilience.
Their concerns are further reflected in emerging legislative and civic initiatives at national level. In Romania, proposals such as “Apă pentru Români” (“Water for the Romanian population“) advocate for a structural shift in how water access is guaranteed in public spaces. The initiative calls for a legal obligation for public institutions, healthcare units, educational facilities, and transport operators to provide free access to drinking water, particularly in waiting areas and transit zones.
Water access must reflect real everyday needs
Young people consistently identified a critical gap in access to free drinking water in the spaces they use daily. High-traffic and essential public areas such as transport hubs (train stations, airports, public transport), educational institutions, parks, and urban public spaces are among the most frequently mentioned locations where water is either unavailable, inaccessible, or not safe to drink. These responses reveal a clear disconnect between policy commitments and lived reality: water access is often missing precisely where it is most needed. For youth, access to water is a necessity that should be seamlessly integrated into public infrastructure and urban planning.
Water must be a universal norm, not an exception
Across responses, a strong and consistent message emerges: free drinking water should be “a normality”, “a right”, and “accessible to all.” Young people envision a Europe where water is:
- Universal – available to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status.
- Safe and high-quality – clean, regulated, and trustworthy.
- Accessible – easy to find, free of charge, and present in all public spaces.
- Protected – managed responsibly to prevent waste and ensure long-term availability.
Water, climate change and heat stress are interconnected crises
Youth perspectives strongly connect water accessibility with the growing impacts of climate change and heat stress. Participants point to water pollution, overconsumption, and inefficient management systems as key challenges that threaten long-term water sustainability. Their messages reflect both urgency and awareness: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat, but an emerging reality; extreme heat amplifies the need for immediate hydration; and inaction today risks turning water into an inaccessible resource for future generations.
From Consultation to Co-Creation
These insights reaffirm that effective water governance must be participatory, inclusive, and grounded in real needs. Integrating youth perspectives is not optional; it is essential for designing policies that are relevant, equitable, and future-proof. From their perspective, cities and public authorities must take a more proactive and systemic role in ensuring water resilience. Key priorities identified include:
- Investing in modern, sustainable, and inclusive water infrastructure;
- Ensuring transparent and efficient use of public and EU funds dedicated to water services;
- Strengthening monitoring, accountability, and public trust in water governance systems;
- Integrating water access and management into broader urban planning and climate adaptation strategies.
A CLEAR MESSAGE TO DECISION-MAKERS: ACT NOW
"Water is life. It is a fundamental right, not a privilege and urgent, decisive action is needed now to ensure equitable access in the face of climate change. Youth are not only beneficiaries of water policies, but key stakeholders and co-creators of solutions."
Commitments
We commit to advancing the recognition of free and safe drinking water in public spaces as a fundamental right across Europe. Through Water4EU, we aim to amplify the voices of young people and communities who experience daily gaps in water access, transforming their lived realities into concrete policy demands. Our goal is to foster a culture of civic engagement where citizens are not only beneficiaries of water policies, but active contributors to shaping them.
We commit to promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based advocacy by monitoring progress, supporting open data initiatives, and sharing knowledge on effective and inclusive water access solutions. By building strong partnerships with civil society, public authorities, and European institutions, we seek to bridge the gap between grassroots initiatives and decision-making processes.
By promoting public water infrastructure, Water4EU reduces CO2 emissions and single-use plastic waste while ensuring equitable access to essential resources, especially for youth and vulnerable communities. The initiative directly contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specific targets:
Through strategic partnerships, public campaigns, and cross-border collaboration, we will continue to challenge systemic gaps, promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, and advocate for a structural shift towards accessible, climate-resilient water systems. Water4EU will act as both a platform for mobilisation and a driver of policy change at European level.
Take Action
Sign the Manifesto
Endorse the Water4EU policy demands and join our European movement.
Policy Demands/Call to action
Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water in public spaces requires a combination of immediate action, targeted funding, and long-term policy commitments. Building on EU targets, initiatives and directions, but also on a global momentum and stakeholder recommendations from the 2026 UN Water Conference preparatory process, Water4EU proposes concrete measures that can deliver tangible results while empowering local communities, promoting civic engagement, and aligning with European priorities for climate resilience, social inclusion, and sustainability. Water must be treated as a cross-cutting enabler of sustainable development, connecting climate resilience, public health, social equity, and democratic participation.
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The Water4EU Vouchers: 1M EUR for Local Authorities
Pilot Projects and Preparation Actions (PPPA)
Request: Launching the Water4EU Voucher Pilot by the European Commission, modelled on the WiFi4EU framework, by allocating €1 million to support 100 municipalities with €10,000 vouchers for the installation, renovation or cleaning of public drinking water fountains.
This is a low-bureaucracy, high-visibility initiative that demonstrates immediate EU action on water resilience. It responds directly to the identified global need to scale practical, visible, and climate-resilient solutions while closing the gap between policy ambition and implementation. By targeting municipalities directly, the pilot ensures rapid deployment of infrastructure where it is needed most.
Implementation Framework:
- 💧 Democratic Resilience: Priority should be given to climate-vulnerable regions. Municipalities must conduct citizen consultations to identify community needs and optimal fountain locations before requesting funding, strengthening civic engagement.
- 💧 Digital Infrastructure: The pilot will promote the mapping of public water points before and after the programme. An EU-wide open data platform will facilitate coordination between EU, national, and community levels, helping locals and tourists find potable water sources easier.
- 💧 Impact Monitoring: Systems should include real-time monitoring of liters dispensed, plastic waste avoided, and water quality metrics.
- 💧 Urban Planning: Encouraging municipalities to integrate water access into broader urban planning and long-term sustainability goals.
"From policy ambition to visible local implementation."
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EU Youth Programmes Joint Priority on Water Resilience
Erasmus+ 2027; ESC 2027; Erasmus+ 2028-2034
Request: Designating “Water Access, Public Hydration, and Climate Equity” as a shared Thematic High Priority Area for the 2027 Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) calls, while ensuring its structural integration into the Post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
With negotiations for the new MFF and the 2027 priorities currently underway, we call for a structural shift that positions water as a cross-cutting enabler of the Green Transition and Social Inclusion. By bridging these two frameworks, the EU can move from reactive measures to a proactive strategy where youth-led climate adaptation is a permanent pillar of European solidarity and education funding.
Strategic Impact & Resource Allocation:
- 💧 Erasmus+ Policy Leadership: Funding KA2/KA3 projects to scale youth-driven policy recommendations, ensuring water rights are embedded in democratic life and non-formal education.
- 💧 ESC Operational Solidarity: Mobilizing large-scale volunteering teams to provide hydration support and plastic-reduction campaigns in heat-vulnerable cities across the Union.
- 💧 Structural Inclusion: Responding to 2026 UN Water Conference stakeholder recommendations by ensuring that the new MFF provides continuous, resourced, and meaningful participation for youth and marginalized communities in water governance.
- 💧 MFF Climate Resilience: Leveraging youth programmes to act as a bridge between high-level EU climate policy and local urban resilience, focusing on equitable access to public infrastructure.
"Securing the future of water resilience through youth actions in the heart of the European budget."
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A “Blue Deal” for Public Access: Embedding Water in EU Systems
MFF 2028–2034 • Cohesion Policy
Request: Integrating a “Water Access Guarantee” into all Cohesion Policy and Urban Development funds for the 2028–2034 period, making the development of free drinking water infrastructure mandatory in all EU-funded public spaces.
To ensure structural and lasting change, water access must be institutionalized across EU funding and governance frameworks, reflecting the global call to integrate water across all sectors. Linking water access directly to EU funding ensures long-term, legally-backed infrastructure improvements. By making hydration points a requirement for Cohesion funding, water access becomes a standard component of sustainable urban development, rather than an optional add-on.
Long-term Impact:
- 💧 Permanent Infrastructure: Guarantees water access as a permanent, non-negotiable feature of all future EU-funded urban development projects.
- 💧 Prioritizing Wellbeing: Encourages local governments to prioritize public health, sustainability, and citizen wellbeing as core metrics of successful development.
- 💧 EU-Wide Water Culture: Creates a visible, union-wide culture of recognition for water-conscious municipalities, setting a global standard for public resource management.
- 💧 Cross-Sectoral Synergy: Treats water as a cross-cutting enabler, connecting infrastructure spending with the European Green Deal and the Pillar of Social Rights.
"Transforming water from an optional amenity into a mandatory European right."
4
The European “Blue Label” for Cities
European Climate Pact • Voluntary Commitment
Request: Award the European “Blue Label” to municipalities that ensure at least one public drinking water fountain per 10,000 citizens as a minimum baseline, while encouraging higher density in high-traffic and heat-vulnerable areas.
To complement regulatory approaches, Water4EU proposes a voluntary commitment mechanism that rewards leadership. This baseline ensures universal coverage while allowing cities to scale up access based on local needs, population density, and climate risks. The initiative supports the development of broad-based public demand for water services, promoting leadership, equity, and accountability in water governance.
Strategic Impact:
- 💧 Political Competition: Creates positive "reputational competition" between European cities to achieve and exceed the Blue Label standards.
- 💧 Public Recognition: Increases visibility and public recognition of local water leadership, making water access a point of civic pride.
- 💧 SDG Alignment: Encourages local commitments that align directly with EU sustainability goals, bringing cities closer to achieving the SDGs at the grassroots level.
- 💧 Accountability: Provides citizens with a clear, measurable metric to hold their local representatives accountable for public hydration infrastructure.
"Recognizing local leadership in the transition toward water-resilient cities."
Our Journey: From Action to Policy
Launching the "Thirsty for Solutions" campaign advocating for free drinking water at the Bucharest Airport.
The KA154 Erasmus+ project was officially approved and commenced implementation.
Danube Caravan: Youth from Călărași, Fetești, Brăila, and Galați met with elected policy makers to discuss public water needs.
Major Victory: Bucharest Airport announced that free drinking water is now accessible to all travelers.
Thirsty for Solutions Bootcamp: 28 youth from 8 communities in Romania gathered to train and plan local actions for water access.
International Day of Water: Official global launch of the Water4EU Manifesto.
Planned launch of the water4.eu digital platform to coordinate European advocacy.
Sete de soluții / Thirsty for solutions
Erasmus+ KA154 (Youth Participation)
Aim: To support sustainable development for the younger generation and to raise awareness about the need for free potable water in public spaces across Romania.