European Federation of National Associations of Water and Wastewater Services

EUREAU was founded in Brussels in 1975 by the six founding countries of the European Union as a union of national associations of drinking water suppliers.

In the beginning, its main focus was on technical issues and in particular standardization. Over the years, the scope of EUREAU’s activities expanded along with the expansion of the EU institutions and their increasing powers. A milestone in this process was the introduction of the co-decision procedure which has given the European Parliament the power to stop new legislation. The EU attention to stakeholders’ engagement as a matter of good governance has also strengthened the legitimacy and role of EUREAU as representative body. In 1998, EUREAU merged with the European Waste Water Group and became the Euopean Federation of National Associations of Water and Waste Water Services.

Over time, EUREAU has progressively enlarged by the adhesion of associations of countries which joined the European Community. Also, the associations of countries member of the European Free Trade Association became members of EUREAU. The status of observer was granted to representative associations of countries in accession negotiations with the European Union.
EUREAU aims for a provision of reliable and high quality water supply and waste water services which:

- Protect public health;
- Fully respect the natural environment;
- Support economic development;
- Socially acceptable.

In order to deliver water and wastewater services for the benefit of all consumers in the EU, EUREAU promotes the following principles:

- EUREAU supports the integration of environmental, economic and social objectives.
- EUREAU believes that the maintenance of public health is paramount and must not be compromised.
- The provision of a reliable, high-quality water service requires intensive capital investment. To achieve this, EUREAU believes policy makers must take a long-term view that provides the necessary investment certainty.
- EUREAU believes that EU water policy must be consistent and integrated across all areas of EU work.
- EUREAU believes that EU-wide policy should allow for Member States to determine how best to implement them according to the wide diversity of water resources, local conditions and management structures across Europe.
- EUREAU believes that working in partnership with stakeholders – EU institutions, national governments, regulators, suppliers, employees and others in society - is the best way to achieve common goals.

None declared

None declared

None declared

Ms Violeta KUZMICKAITE (Policy Manager)

II - In-house lobbyists and trade/professional associations

Other similar organisations