23/06/2026
Informal Meeting of EU Water and Marine Directors under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union
-Success is achieved when teams unite behind a common goal and together exceed all expectations-
The Informal Meeting of the EU Water and Marine Directors was successfully held in Paphos, Cyprus, from 17–19 June 2026, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from EU Member States, the European Commission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Regional Seas Conventions (Barcelona, HELCOM, OSPAR, Bucharest), the European Investment Bank, and members of the European Economic Area.
Marine Directors focused on the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and how to tackle challenges, the European Ocean Pact, and strengthening coherence across marine policies. Discussions highlighted that, despite progress in monitoring and scientific knowledge, European seas have yet to achieve Good Environmental Status, while pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecosystem degradation continue to increase. Participants emphasized the need for stronger implementation, ecological restoration, regional cooperation, and practical measures to improve marine ecosystems.
Water Directors discussed key priorities including the Water Resilience Strategy, the Drinking Water Directive, the revision of the Water Framework Directive, and the development of an Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience. Discussions stressed the importance of strengthening water security, improving resilience to climate change, and enhancing synergies between freshwater, coastal, and marine policies.
Cyprus presented a case study on seabed and ecosystem mapping, while participants were also briefed on the Water Academy initiative and the European Investment Bank’s Water Resilience Programme. A dedicated session on desalination and water reuse facilitated the exchange of best practices for addressing water scarcity and strengthening water security.
Breakout group discussions provided practical recommendations to support implementation, improve policy coherence, address knowledge gaps, and strengthen cooperation. The meeting also offered incoming Presidencies - Ireland and Lithuania-, the opportunity to present their priorities and ensure continuity of work on key water and marine issues.
Alongside the technical discussions, participants experienced Cyprus’ cultural heritage and natural landscapes through visits to Petra tou Romiou and the Kourion Archaeological Site.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Member States, European institutions, and regional partners to advancing sustainable water management, marine environmental protection, and climate resilience across Europe. Cyprus expresses its sincere appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions.
The Marine and Water Directors of Cyprus - the Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and the Director of the Water Development Department- express their sincere appreciation to all colleagues from both Departments, as well as all supporting services, whose dedication and hard work contributed to the successful organization of this meeting. Success is achieved when teams work together towards a common goal, and the excellent cooperation demonstrated throughout this event exceeded all expectations.