As 2024 comes to a close, we send warm season’s greetings to our partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This year marks the culmination of the EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data programme. As we reflect on our achievements, we look forward to the upcoming successor programme under the title EU4Green Recovery East , which will carry forward and expand this important work in 2025 and beyond. 

Reflecting on key achievements  

Over the past years, the EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data project has successfully strengthened cooperation in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, improving water resource management and enhancing environmental data collection to foster sustainable development. Through joint efforts and dedication, we have achieved notable milestones that have laid a foundation for better environmental governance and shared regional progress. Milestones include: 

• Adoption of River Basin Management Plans and improved water quality monitoring networks. 

• Support for legislative reforms aligning with EU standards, such as groundwater quality norms and nitrate pollution control. 

• Promotion of public health monitoring, such as SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance. 

• Enhanced transboundary cooperation on shared water resources, improving data sharing and joint governance. 

Introducing EU4Green Recovery East 

As we conclude one chapter, we open another with EU4Green Recovery East, a new regional programme launching in 2025. With an EU contribution of €21.3 million, this programme will support EaP countries in transitioning to greener, more resilient economies, incorporating circular economy principles and promoting sustainable resource use. 

EU4Green Recovery East will focus on: 

• circular economy promotion along the full lifecycle approaches; 

• pollution reduction with a focus on water as a critical resource for the economy; 

• legislative alignment with the European Green Deal, including, where relevant, with Chapter 27 of the EU acquis and facilitation of the accession process; 

• integration into EU-wide environmental cooperation, and 

• promotion of compliance with international commitments relevant for the Global Gateway Strategy and infrastructure modernisation. 

This programme builds on the foundation laid by the EU4Environment-Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, leveraging synergies with other EU programmes (EU4Environment – Green Economy) and partnerships to accelerate development in line with the Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership countries. 

Looking Forward 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data. Your dedication has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. As we embark on this new journey with EU4Green Recovery, we look forward to working together toward a greener, more sustainable future for the region. 

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a prosperous and environmentally conscious 2025! 

The EU-funded research and innovation project, SpongeWorks, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, is offering an exciting opportunity for regions to join its Associated Regions network. Local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, are eligible to apply for this unique initiative aimed at improving water retention, soil health, and climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions. 

Why Participate? 

By becoming an Associated Region, your area will receive support to implement innovative ‘sponge measures’ designed to enhance the sponge function of landscapes. This includes restoring rivers, meadows, and floodplains, applying soil conservation practices, introducing urban greening, and implementing sustainable urban water management solutions like rainwater harvesting. 

Eight selected regions will receive up to €100,000 in grant funding to design, implement and evaluate these solutions tailored to their specific needs. Beyond financial support, SpongeWorks offers access to technical expertise, capacity building, and an international network of practitioners, with the aim of fostering community engagement and knowledge-sharing. 

What’s in it for your region? 

Financial Support: Up to €100,000 to implement impactful initiatives. 

Capacity Building: Access to tools, workshops, and experienced practitioners. 

Visibility and Networking: Opportunities to showcase your region at the European level through SpongeWorks events and the promotion of successful demonstration sites. 

How to Apply? 

The call is open to local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. 

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. 

Visit the SpongeWorks website to download the guidelines and the application form: https://spongeworks.eu/associated-regions 

The official call for tenders: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/9481 

On October 30, 2024, an online workshop introduced the newly developed Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). The presentation was attended by nearly 200 participants from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and the EU, including national authorities, water experts, water user representatives, donors, and various organizations engaged in water management and Nature-based Solution projects. The workshop emphasized the critical role of Nature-based Solutions in tackling water-related issues and aligning with EU law, notably the Water Framework Directive (WFD). 

A Practical Tool for Sustainable Water Resource Management 

Nature-based Solutions are actions that copy or make use of natural processes (ecosystem services) and can be applied in low-cost and sustainable ways. They often restore modified ecosystems and provide additional benefits for human well-being.  

Developed by the International Office for Water (OiEau) under the EU4Environment - Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, the NbS Catalogue provides a comprehensive guide tailored to address specific water-related challenges in each EaP country. It features a range of solutions that can help mitigate issues such as water pollution, flow disruption, and hydromorphological changes, which at the same time are also improving biodiversity and climate adaptation. 

The new catalogue serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, helping them identify and prioritize the most suitable Nature-Based Solutions for their regions. It includes detailed factsheets, implementation recommendations, and financing options, supporting the incorporation of NbS into Programmes of Measures (PoMs) within River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). 

Eastern Partnership Knowledge Exchange 

As an example, experts from RECC Caucasus shared insights on integrating NbS into Georgia’s River Basin Management Plans for the Enguri and Rioni basins. Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine reported their experiences and challenges in adopting NbS within their national water strategies. This collaboration is expected to enhance the usability of the NbS Catalogue across varied water user sectors and contexts in the region. 

Dowload the presentations: 

• Nature based Solutions for the WFD and the FD
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and River Basin Management Plans in Georgia
• Presentation of the Nature Based Solutions Catalogue for RBMPS
• Catalogue of Nature Based Solution for Improved Water Management in Eastern Partnership Countries

Ljubljana, Slovenia – 22 October 2024.  

On the eve of the 10th Meeting of the Parties (MOP10) to the Water Convention in Ljubljana, the “European Union for Environment” programme presented the results of the long-standing water cooperation involving the European Union, its Member States and EU’s Eastern partners, with the expert input of the OECD and UNECE. Due to this cooperation and EU’s financial support, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, have been innovating to manage their water resources better, increasingly in line with EU law, especially the Water Framework Directive, and other international standards and best practices, such as the United Nations Water Convention. Held in the margins of the MOP10, this event highlighted the key achievements in the region on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries shared success stories as inspiration for solutions to water challenges elsewhere. The participants also looked forward to the continuation of their cooperation in a Team Europe spirit. 

Highlights of the achievements 

Since 2021, and based on previous EU support, the water pillar of the EU4Environment programme has been an accelerator of the EaP countries’ water management reforms. Due to this support, the countries have: 

• Developed an impressive number of 21 comprehensive River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. These plans serve as critical tools for achieving sustainable water management at the basin level and for involving local stakeholders. 

• Made significant progress in water quality monitoring and data collection, from the field to the laboratory, to ensure better informed decision-making and a higher effect of management measures. 

• Promoted cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder cooperation through National Policy Dialogue platforms and regional peer exchange, contributing to improved water security across the region. 

• Worked to introduce and secure sound investment planning and financing mechanisms for water management, addressing the long-standing challenge of undervalued water and upgrading economic instruments such as water tariffs and taxes for provided services in water supply and sanitation. 

• Promoted nature-based solutions to reduce ecosystem degradation and enhance the provision of natural ecosystem services (e.g. flood retention, self-purification, groundwater recharge). 

• Addressed public health through epidemiological monitoring of urban wastewater, such as SARS-Covid2, in line with EU benchmarks and the UN Protocol on Water and Health.
  

The programme also contributed to strengthening cross-border water cooperation. Transboundary basins such as the Prut and the Dniester are of strategic importance, and the event underlined the role of shared water management in promoting peace and security in the region.  

Reflecting on these achievements, Gérald Audaz, Team Leader for the Economic and Investment Plan at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood & Enlargement Negotiations, said: "We trust that the water management innovations adopted by our Eastern partners will deliver positive results for the environment and improve people’s wellbeing. Water resilience is a critical part of our economies’ and societies’ resilience, not least because of climate change and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The European Union has been, and will continue working together with the Eastern Partnership countries, including in the framework of the EU enlargement process, towards a clean environment, prosperity, peace, and stability." 

Marco Keiner, Director, Environment Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said: “The achievements of the Eastern Partnership countries in modernising water management underscore the power of collaboration across borders. Through shared efforts, we are not only improving water governance but also advancing peace, security, and resilience. This is a critical step forward in ensuring that future generations inherit healthy ecosystems and reliable water resources in a rapidly changing world.” 

Alexander Zinke, of Environment Agency Austria and speaking on behalf of the programme’s implementing partners, highlighted: "The success of our long-years cooperation with the Eastern Partnership Countries shows the importance of step-wise technical support and capacity building. By aligning their water policies with EU standards, these countries are better and better equipped to tackle current environmental challenges and ensure sustainable protection and fair use of all water resources for future generations.” 

Looking ahead 

In addition to reviewing key successes, the participants were informed about planned follow up work. A new EU-funded regional programme, set to start in early 2025, will continue to facilitate water management reforms while broadening their scope, e.g. to address resilience in the face of climate change.  

Background information  

Since 2016, two EU Member States agencies (International Office for Water in France, Environment Agency Austria) and two international organisations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)) have been working together within the framework EU-funded programmes in the Eastern Partnership countries to bring water management closer to the European Union and international standards. This cooperation started with the “EU Water Initiative Plus” (EUWI+) project (2016-2020) and continues until end of 2024 with the “EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data” programme. The later programme is principally funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and the French Artois-Picardie Water Agency based on a budget of EUR 12,75 million (EUR 12 million EU contribution).  

For detailed insights and results, download our comprehensive PDF report: Download the PDF.

To learn more about water management innovations, check out our latest video highlighting these advancements within the framework of the Water Convention: Watch the video.

From 23 to 27 September 2024, the Environment Agency's Water Quality Laboratory in Moldova hosted a specialized training workshop for laboratory experts from across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The workshop focused on enhancing technical capacities in water analysis and applying international standards EN ISO 18856 and EN ISO 18857-1. 

Capacity building for water analysis

The training was part of the EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, which aims to strengthen environmental monitoring infrastructure and improve water resource management in the EaP region. During the workshop, participants, all experienced experts in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) equipment, were taught the latest methods in environmental testing and analysis. 

The intensive agenda included technical sessions on the setup, calibration, and use of GC-MS equipment for the extraction and measurement of water samples. This newly acquired knowledge will help environmental laboratories in the region produce higher-quality data and improve water monitoring practices in line with international standards. 

EU support for water quality for the Eastern Partnership countries

This workshop is a key milestone in ongoing efforts to align Eastern Partnership countries with international best practices in environmental protection and water management, contributing to sustainable water governance and better data collection across the region. 

A previous regional laboratory training session was held in Azerbaijan in May 2023 in the frame of the programme: https://eu4waterdata.eu/en/blog-news/31-azerbaijan/292-regional-laboratory-trainings-in-azerbaijan.html 

Read also

https://eu4waterdata.eu/en/blog-news/54-eap-region/368-improving-water-quality-monitoring-in-eu-eastern-partnership-countries-a-success-story-with-eu-support.html 

https://eu4waterdata.eu/en/blog-news/54-eap-region/344-training-on-surface-water-data-analysis-for-eastern-partnership-countries.html  

On September 18, 2024, the online event served as a platform for the five Easter Partnership countries—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine—to share their experiences and case studies in modernizing water management practices. Organised by UNECE under the framework of the EU4Environment - Water and Data programme, this workshop was attended by 100 participants, including decision-makers, scientists, and water management practitioners from sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, and environmental protection. 

Key Discussions and Case Studies 

Each country highlighted their efforts in advancing water management policies. 

• Armenia opened the discussion with insights on its the Water Users Associations and the environmental flow. Martiros Nalbandyan, Deputy Chair  of the Water Committee of Armenia, and Vahagn Tonoyan, local representative of the EU4Environment-Water and Data Programme, presented these significant steps in managing water resources effectively. 

• Azerbaijan followed with a presentation on the creation of the State Water Agency and innovations in wastewater reuse. Rafig Verdiyev, local representative of the programme shared the progress made in these areas. 

• Georgia presented the mapping of nitrate-vulnerable zones and implementation of hydro-biological monitoring in key river basins. Experts like Mariam Makarova (Head of the Water Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) and Marine Arabidze (Head of Environmental Pollution Monitoring Department, National Environment Agency (NEA) explained how these initiatives help protect water bodies from agricultural runoff. 

• Moldova contributed by discussing the development of basin committees and the inventory of dams. Victoria Gratii (Head of the Integrated Water Resources Management Department, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova) and Vlad Ceban (Senior Specialist of the Capital Investment and Project Implementation Service) elaborated on their integrated water resources management efforts. 

• Ukraine concluded the session with insights on national basin councils and a government-funded water monitoring network, aligning with EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) standards. Igor Gopchak (Deputy Head of State Water Resources Agency of Ukraine (SAWR) and Maria Shpanchyk (Head of the Department of Water Resources Management, SAWR) highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to improving water quality and governance. 

Feedback and Next Steps 

The event received positive feedback, with participants appreciating the collaborative approach and the exchange of knowledge. Gerald Audaz (Economic and Investment Plan for EU's Eastern Neighbourhood region, DG NEAR, European Commission) from the European Commission and other high-level officials expressed their support for continued cooperation. Based on the success of this event, there is potential for organizing additional follow-up meetings. 

This event marked another significant step in the EU4Environment - Water and Data programme. As innovations and collaborative efforts continue, the future of sustainable water management in the Eastern Partnership countries looks promising.