Moreno se reúne con la comisaria Roswall y celebra la priorización del problema del agua en la agenda política de la Comisión Europea.
The President of the Andalusian Government, Juanma Moreno, and the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, held a meeting where they discussed topics of interest such as water, circular economy, and forest policy. Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco.
Moreno emphasized that Andalusia, as the European region most exposed to the effects of climate change, is fully committed to water policies. He explained that since 2019, the Andalusian Government has mobilized over 2,000 million euros, 500 of which were allocated in four drought decrees, for water-related measures and projects.
An example of Andalusia’s commitment to this issue is that the Committee of the Regions’ Environment, Climate Change, and Energy (ENVE) Commission has appointed Kata Tüttő and Juanma Moreno as rapporteurs for the opinion the Committee will issue on strengthening the water resilience of cities and regions to successfully address the water consequences of climate change such as floods, droughts, or fires.
A moment from the meeting between Juanma Moreno and Jessika Roswall.
The President of the Andalusian Government described the meeting as «very positive» and an «excellent starting point to work together with the European Commission on future policies to ensure access to water throughout the territory.»
Commissioner Roswall, on the other hand, deemed the discussions with the Andalusian Government on the water challenge as «very constructive». «Spain is facing severe droughts and an increasing risk of desertification. Water is a fundamental issue for Andalusia. Water security is a priority for the Commission,» stated Roswall.
«Spaniards share this concern and are aware that we need a change in mindset regarding water. 77% of Spaniards consider drought as the main water threat, and 88% support EU measures to address water-related issues. We recently launched our EU Water Resilience Strategy to prioritize water on the policy agenda, as we can no longer take access to water for granted,» affirmed the European Commissioner.
The President of the Junta poses with the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy.
During the meeting, Moreno and Roswall also discussed other topics such as circular economy and the importance of caring, preserving, and restoring Andalusia’s vast natural heritage. Half of Andalusia’s territory is forested, specifically 4.3 million hectares, with a third of this community being protected areas and 26% of the forest area being public.
The European Commissioner plans to visit the Doñana National Park, which she expressed great excitement about. «I am looking forward to visiting the Doñana natural park and witnessing firsthand the significant role it plays in the region. The park acts as a natural sponge, replenishing water flows, mitigating droughts and floods, and supporting biodiversity. Preserving this park is key to maintaining water security in the region,» highlighted Roswall.
Working meeting between the Andalusian President, members of the regional government, and the European Commissioner.
