EWA Newsletter
Newsletter August 2023
Content of EWA Newsletter Issue 04/2023
News from EWA
Selected stories of what has happened since the last issue
EWA Events
Learn more on our future events and save the dates!
News from Brussels
Abstracts with links to download the full length articles
List of other events
Until we meet again
 
News from EWA
New Research Member
Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, University of Duisburg-Essen
WaWI UDE
The Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management focuses on a broad range of activities related to the effective utilization of water resources and the mitigation of risks associated with water. With a particular emphasis on Hydraulic Engineering, the institute is dedicated to employing various measures to harness water's potential while safeguarding against its inherent dangers.
 
Water Resources Management lies at the core of the institute's mission, encompassing strategies and practices that revolve around the exploitation of water by human intervention. They specialize in addressing multifaceted aspects of water management, such as flood protection, the preservation of natural water bodies, and overall water conservation.
 
You can learn more on the official website.
 
 
New Corporate Member
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley’s mission is to provide innovative applications and services for the enterprises and professionals who design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure – advancing both the global economy and the environment for improved quality of life. In particular, Bentley has helped water utilities, governments, and engineering firms around the world demonstrate excellence and cutting-edge digital advancements in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
 
You can learn more on the official website.
 
Please join us in welcoming them in the EWA network!
Congratulations to Prof. Hallvard Ødegaard, Honorary Member 2023
Hallvard Odegaard
Professor Hallvard Ødegaard, a highly respected figure in the water sector and professor emeritus, has been awarded the prestigious Dunbar Medal for his remarkable contributions to the field of water engineering and research. With groundbreaking innovations in water treatment and an extensive body of work spanning over decades, Professor Ødegaard's expertise has revolutionized the industry.
 
He is widely recognized as the inventor of the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and holds five international patents. His expertise and reputation extend globally, establishing him as one of Norway's most renowned water professionals. Following his retirement from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2011, Professor Ødegaard remains actively involved in the field through his consulting company, Scandinavian Environmental Technology AS.
 
He will receive the Dunbar Medal at a prestigious ceremony taking place in Vienna on October 19th, 2023, during the ÖWAV/EWA Joint Conference: Water Resources subject to Climate Change Challenges in managing Extremes.
 
You can read more about his achievements in our press release.
 
EWA in Brussels
EWA Brussels
On June 13th, EWA President Wendy Francken, Johannes Lohaus - Secretary General of the EWA and Arthur Guischet - Water Policy Officer of the EWA took a day trip to Brussels and met DG Environment in the European Commission to talk about the current challenges and opportunities for a good water environment.
 
The meeting also included Nele Rosenstock Policy officer, Joachim d´Eugenio - Advisor for zero pollution and Marianthi PODIMATA from the Sustainable Freshwater Management.
EWA Youtube Channel
Join us on Youtube and watch our latest webinar
Youtube
 
Do you know about our Youtube Channel ?
 
Our YouTube Channel features recordings of our most recent webinar, where industry experts shared invaluable insights and strategies on water reuse or about the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for example.
 
Whether you were unable to attend or simply want to revisit the content, these recordings are a goldmine of knowledge!
The last recording is our webinar on Water Reuse Regulation and it´s impact on the water sector. The Regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse for agricultural irrigation entered into force in June 2020.On this occasion, participants received a general introduction to the topic, an overview of current European legislation, a platform for exchanging views on its impact or how to overcome barriers, and finaly a presentation by Águas do Tejo Atlântico on their plan for water reuse and circular economy.
 
Join us on YouTube and access our latest webinar recordings at your convenience.
 
Just click here to subscribe and stay up-to-date with our future content.
 
EWA EVENTS
Next EWA FREE Webinar - Save the date
Race to 0 - CO2 Neutrality
Race to 0
10.10.2023 - 10:00 – 12:00 - Online 
 
The race to achieve CO2 neutrality, or net-zero emissions, involves global efforts to drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to mitigate climate change and create a sustainable future for our planet.
 
In addition to reducing GHG, the race to achieve CO2 neutrality also emphasizes the conservation and responsible management of water resources, recognizing the crucial role that water plays in both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
During our upcoming webinar on “Race to 0-CO2 neutrality”, speakers will engage in discussions covering a range of subjects such as the development of greenhouse gas reduction targets, technical solutions for emission reduction, climate mitigation within the water sector and the European Union's ambitious 2040 climate target for the water sector. In the second part of the webinar, we will have the valuable opportunity to hear from industry experts, operators and researchers who will share their experiences and expertise on making significant strides towards reducing GHG emissions. This interactive session will provide an enriching platform for insightful discussions and the exchange of knowledge.
 
Mark your calendar for October 10th and join us on this journey towards a sustainable future.
Together, let's accelerate the race to achieve CO2 neutrality.
 
The program and registration will be available very soon so stay tuned!
 
We are also very happy to announce that Bentley and Xylem will be sponsoring our webinar:
Bentley
Bentley’s mission is to provide innovative applications and services for the enterprises and professionals who design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure – advancing both the global economy and the environment for improved quality of life. In particular, Bentley has helped water utilities, governments, and engineering firms around the world demonstrate excellence and cutting-edge digital advancements in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Learn more at www.bentley.com
Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to solving critical water and infrastructure challenges with innovation. We provide water technologies and solutions across the whole water cycle, for utilties, industries and buildings.
Join us at www.xylem.com.
 
ÖWAV/EWA Joint Conference
The program is out and registrations are open!
ÖWAV
19-20.10.2023 - Vienna, Austria 
 
The program of the joint conference is now available, you can download it here.
 
The topic of climate change and the interest in the associated effects on water management have continued to increase in recent years. As part of the working committee "Forum Climate Change", the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV) has observed current developments both in climate research and in the planning and implementation of adaptation measures and has presented them since 2010 in a series of 5 ÖWAV seminars on climate change and its influence on hydrology, water and energy as well as their management.
In addition to the current findings of climate research, the joint ÖWAV/ EWA conference will now focus on recognizable effects and needs for action, which will be analyzed in the form of a workshop by the numerous actors in the water industry and implementation possibilities for adaptation in water management will be identified. With the presentation of concrete adaptation measures and projects from Europe, particular account will be taken of the two extreme challenges posed by heavy rainfall events and droughts.
 
 
You can read the full program on the offical website.
 
DWA - Dialog Berlin 2023
18-19.09.2023 - Umweltforum Berlin, hybrid
DWA Dialog
The Association for Wastewater Technology (ATV) was founded in May 1948. 75 years later, they are celebrating this anniversary as the now German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA). They are looking less backwards than forwards, and so this year‘s DWA Dialogue Berlin is themed „Future Water Management“.
The international forum is dedicated to the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and is entitled „Sustainability and Water: Halfway to Achieving the SDGs“. The IWA, the EWA, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Global Water Operators‘ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) and the United Nations University (UNU) are involved.
 
Our president Wendy Francken will give a greeting speech at the opening ceremony.
You can find all the details and the program on the official DWA website.
4th International Conference Waters in Sensitive and Protected Areas (WSPA)
WSPA
10 - 13.04.2024 - Pula, Croatia 
 
We are pleased to announce that registration for the 4th International Conference WATERS IN SENSITIVE AND PROTECTED AREAS have opened on May 1.
The conference will take place April 10-13, 2024 in the city of Pula (Croatia).
 
The 4th WSPA Conference is organised by the European Water Association (EWA) and the Croatian Water Pollution Control Society (CWPCS) in collaboration with the University of Zagreb and the University of Pula.
 
The aim of the conference is to contribute to exchange of scientific knowledge oriented towards state-of-the-art, innovative, and cost-effective solutions for the protection of water and biodiversity, as well as amendments of the legal framework related to sensitive and protected areas.
 
You can find all the information about the conference and register on the official website: www.wspa2024.org
 
We look forward to welcoming you in Pula!
News from Brussels
Topics covered in the News from Brussels
The articles in the News from Brussels section here below cover the following topics:
 
1. Legislation for protection and monitoring of soil proposed
2. Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive revision, state of play
3. Rule of Law in the EU, annual report
4. Cruise ships environmental ranking 2023
5. Application of EU law in all policy areas, annual report
6. World Bank report on groundwater resources
7. Upholding the law: update on infringement procedures related to water and environment
8. European Parliament: Parliamentary questions related to water during June and July 2023
9. EU-wide ban on PFAS in firefighting foams, state of play
 
 
 
1. Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience
Legislative proposal published 5 July 2023 
 
 
Healthy soils are essential for achieving climate neutrality, a clean and circular economy and stopping desertification and land degradation. They are also essential to reverse biodiversity loss, provide healthy food and safeguard human health.
Following the EU soil strategy for 2030 and a public consultation, the legislative proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive has just been published.
 
EWA NEWS provides you an overview as well as links to the full documents including the impact assessment.
 
 
Read the full article:
Soil Health Law Proposal
 
 
 
2. Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive revision, state of play
European Parliament commences debate on a Parliament position in 1st reading 
 
 
The European Parliament has within its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, with rapporteur Nils Torvalds started working towards a European Parliament position for the first reading. EWA NEWS reports about the main elements for the draft by the rapporteur and the envisaged time schedule within the European Parliament.
 
 
Read the full article:
UWWTD revision progress
 
3. Rule of Law in the EU, annual report
 
A founding value of the Union, the rule of law is fundamental to a stable, resilient, fair and democratic political, economic and social environment across the EU. It is an integral part of the very identity of the European Union. The rule of law is essential to guarantee that EU citizens and businesses can fully enjoy their rights. With the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continuing to rage on, the need to pro-actively defend and uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the EU and beyond is of vital priority.
 
This report brings an important contribution to promoting and safeguarding the rule of law in the EU, in each Member State and the EU as a whole. This is also illustrated by the engagement and cooperation that Member States have once again demonstrated in the preparation of this year’s report. The report has become a true driver of positive reform – this year’s edition shows that important efforts are ongoing in Member States to follow-up on the previous year’s recommendations and address challenges identified.
 
 
Read the full article:
Law Report
 
4. Cruise ships environmental ranking 2023
published by German Environmental NGO NABU 
 
 
German NGO NABU has published its 2023 cruise ship environmental ranking.
Rising greenhouse gas emissions and heavy air pollutions remain the gravest problems of the cruise ship industry. NABU's annual cruise ship ranking, presented on 28 June in Hamburg, delivers renewed evidence that change is needed. But hope is on the horizon.
 
The forerunners of this year's ranking are still a long way off from the ideal of a cruise that travellers could take in good conscience. However, there are initial promising signals that give hope for the ultimate realisation of an environmentally friendly cruise. In particular, providers of smaller cruise ship experiences are making progress on climate and environmental protection, as seen with this year's ranking leaders, the Norwegian companies Hurtigruten and Havila.
 
 
Read the full article:
Cruise ship ranking
 
5. Annual Commission report "Application of EU law"
published 14 July 2023 
 
 
Every year, the Commission publishes a report on monitoring the application of EU law during the preceding year. The report reviews key aspects of the application of EU law by Member States and the Commission’s actions to enforce it in 2022. The main report sets out the Commission’s most important investigations and infringement procedures under the Commission’s political priorities. The Commission webpage presents infringement cases,
EU Pilot processes and complaints, by policy area and Member State, over a five-year period.
Dedicated pages on policy areas provide information on how the Commission promoted compliance in these fields and refer to key judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Member States pages publish more specific information on the individual country concerned.
 
 
Read the full article:
Application of EU law
 
6. World Bank report on groundwater resources
The Hidden Wealth of Nations: Groundwater’s Critical Role in a Changing Climate 
 
 
The World Bank Report report "The Hidden Wealth of Nations: The Economics of Groundwater in Times of Climate Change", demonstrates how groundwater can safeguard food security while boosting economic growth and job creation. However in most cases, this resource has been undervalued and overexploited, with insufficient regard for its long-term sustainability. This is partly due to a lack of systematic research into its economic importance.
 
With this in mind, the new report offers fresh data and evidence that with the right policies in place, we can maximize the benefits of groundwater harvesting—both now and long into the future.
 
 
Read the full article:
World Bank Report Groundwater
 
7. Upholding the law: update on infringement procedures related to water and environment
 
The European Union is constitutionally designed as a Union of Law. According to the Treaties (Treaty on European Union, Treaty on Functioning of the European Union), Member States are obliged to comply with EU legislation adopted by the legislator (European Parliament and Council), and the Commission has the right and the obligation to scrutinise such compliance and where appropriate take legal action.
 
Past weeks have seen a range of legal actions, from letters of formal notice to reasoned opinions, including procedures which might entail applications for penalty payments), against a range of Member States:
 
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Estonia
• Greece
• Italy
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
 
EWA NEWS provides information on these procedures plus general facts on infringement procedures, including links to Court judgments on penalty payments.
 
Read the full article:
Upholding the law
 
8. European Parliament questions
19 water-related questions from Parliamentarians, from the Bathing Water Directive to privatisation of water supplies in Italy 
 
 
The European Parliament is directly elected by citizens of all Member States.
 
Members of Parliament show a regular interest of water issues in their Parliamentary questions.
In the period between 1 July to 4 August 2023, 19 water-related questions have been tabled.
 
EWA News provides you in each edition the summary text of the questions, their authors, registration numbers and dates, as well as a link to details of the questions, and where already available answers to these questions.
 
 
Read the full article:
EP Parliamentary questions
 
9. EU-wide ban on PFAS in firefighting foams, state of play
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) committees support EU-wide of PFAS in firefighting foams 
 
 
Both the Committee for Risk Assessment and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis within ECHA have supported an EU-wide ban of PFAS in firefighting foams.
 
Next procedural steps towards legally binding measures be will agreement by the European Commission and by the amend the list of restrictions (Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation).
Based on the vote in the REACH Committee, the amended list of restrictions would adopted by a Commission decision, subject to scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council
 
 
Read the full article:
EU-wide PFAS bans
 
Other Events
18th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST2023)
CEST2023
30 August to 2 September 2023 
 
The conference is organized in cooperation with many partners and our reserarch member the Department of Environment at University of the Aegean.
The 18th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST2023) will be held in Athens, Greece from 30 August to 2 September 2023.
Established in 1989, CEST is a leading environmental conference where top experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, representatives of public administration and social initiatives present state-of-the-art research on current and emerging environmental issues.
You can find more information on the event website.
Training Camp Water Technology
25-30 September 2023 
 
Every two years WorldSkills hosts the world championship of skills. WorldSkills gives youth the chance to compete, experience, and learn how to become an outstanding performer in their skill of choice. For the third time, “Water Technology” will be held as an official skill in the category manufacturing and engineering technology.
DWA – the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste, being an expert in the water sector, organizes in cooperation with WorldSkills Germany, FESTO and Adiro a „Water Technology“ Training Camp in Stuttgart.
 
Participants will understand the basic setup of the German water sector and will learn how teachers train workers and academics in the field of water in Germany. With the training camp, participants are perfectly prepared for the tasks of the skill “Water Technology”. The training aims to explain all relevant tasks to compete on the WorldSkills Lyon 2023 competition in the skill „Water Technology“.
 
You can learn more here.
11th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition
7 - 9 November 2023 
 
SHUKALB and SHUKOS are pleased to invite you to join the 11th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition to be held on 7 – 9 November, 2023, in Tirana, Albania.
 
The theme of the Conference “Accelerating Change: Towards Safe, Reliable and Sustainable Services”, is inspired by World Water Day 2023 and in particular this year by the UN Water Conference held in March in New York City, and it is about accelerating change to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
 
Call for abstracts is now open!
Learn more below or visit the official website.
IFAT Munich 2024
13-17 Mai 2024 
 
IFAT Munich—The World's Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technologies boasts a high international presence and an impressive number of exhibitors and visitors. IFAT Munich is known as a industry platform for presentations and innovation in the water, sewage, waste and raw materials sector. All relevant key-players will present their latest products and services on environmental solutions.
 
The European Water Association will be like every year also exhibiting at IFAT, make sure you save the date!
 
More information on the official website.
 
Until we meet again ..
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