Kick-off Meeting in Barcelona - Hon. Toffanin: “Italy at the forefront”

“We are facing one of the defining challenges of our time, and Italy is at the forefront in tackling emerging issues related to water security and access across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Our approach is innovative, positioning the water sector as a driver of sustainable development,” stated Hon. Roberta Toffanin, Advisor to the Minister of Environment and Energy Security.

Restoring and protecting the natural water cycle, promoting a sustainable and forward-looking water industry, and enhancing infrastructure resilience against floods, droughts, and extreme events are among the shared objectives discussed.

During Italy’s G7 Presidency last year, ministers gathered in Venaria Reale to establish the G7 Water Coalition, aimed at identifying common strategies and catalyzing shared ambitions and priorities to address the global water crisis. Today, at the regional level, the European Water Resilience Strategy stands as a crucial policy tool, enabling coordinated and integrated action across the Union.

“Among the initiatives promoted by the Italian Government,” added Hon. Toffanin, “the Mattei Plan for Africa represents a strategic lever. With a total funding of approximately €5.5 billion, it seeks to strengthen cooperation and partnerships with the African continent on equal terms, moving beyond the donor-beneficiary model. The Plan adopts a comprehensive approach to development cooperation, encompassing areas such as education and training, agriculture, health, and energy, with a dedicated pillar focused specifically on water.”

“Although the path ahead is long and complex,” concluded Hon. Toffanin, “the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome 2026 stands as one of the most effective instruments to advance a shared strategic vision for the region.”