Recap of the WaterGovernance2027 Joint Webinar – 26 February 2026
On 26 February 2026, the WaterGovernance2027 Synergy Group — bringing together the Horizon Europe projects InnWater, GOVAQUA and RETOUCH NEXUS — hosted a joint webinar focused on the role of economic instruments in strengthening climate resilience at river basin level.
The session gathered water professionals, researchers and policymakers from across Europe to discuss how financial and economic tools can support more sustainable and adaptive water governance.
Making Economics Work for Resilience
As climate pressures intensify, economic instruments are becoming key levers for guiding water management decisions. The webinar explored how mechanisms such as water pricing, cost-recovery strategies and the integration of environmental externalities can:
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Encourage more sustainable water use
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Support long-term infrastructure investment
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Improve financial sustainability at basin level
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Strengthen evidence-based decision-making
Speakers highlighted that economic tools are not merely technical instruments, but strategic components of governance systems capable of shaping behaviours and policy outcomes.
From Innovation to Policy Uptake
The discussion also showcased how the three projects are testing innovative methodologies across diverse European contexts. By combining economic modelling, governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement approaches, the WaterGovernance2027 cluster aims to bridge research and practical implementation.
This joint webinar forms part of ongoing collaboration efforts to enhance policy impact, foster knowledge exchange and contribute to more resilient water governance across Europe.