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Introduction |
Welcome to our new edition of SEMIDE’s e-Flash!
SEMIDE is proud to present our latest e-Flash for September-October 2025, with a fresh new look and the launch of our newly redesigned website, now live and accessible. In this issue, we share recent news related to Euro-MED cooperation and widespread challenges for the water sector, and showcase the key updates of our projects striving for a sustainable future in our region. Also included are the latest publications, opportunities, and calls, and don’t miss out on our agenda of upcoming events.
Enjoy discovering our 172nd e-Flash and join us in sharing water knowledge across the Mediterranean!
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Editorial |
15th Meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Water and the Kick-off meeting of the 6th Mediterranean Water Forum |
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The 15th Meeting of the Regional Platform on Water will take place in UfM Headquarters in Palau de Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain. The meeting will run from 9h00 on Monday, 5 November to 14h00 on Tuesday 6 November followed by the Kick-Off Meeting of the 6th Mediterranean Water Forum: Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum on 6 November (afternoon) and 7 November (morning). The overall aim of the 15th Meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Water is to continue supporting efforts by UfM member states to increase water security in the Mediterranean region through the implementation of the UfM Water Agenda and the UfM Financial Strategy for Water. The preparation process for a UfM Ministerial meeting on water, foressen 24-25 March 2026 in Roma, will be discussed, including the draft declaration and the strategic guidance documents.
Further information on SEMIDE website
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EuroMED News |
Cairo water week October 12th – 16th, 2025
At Cairo Water Week on 13 October 2025, the EU and Egypt announced a step-up in their water partnership, launching a high-level dialogue to drive practical cooperation on drought and flood management, safe wastewater reuse for agriculture, irrigation efficiency, and climate resilience an agenda highlighted in a keynote by the European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall. The move aligns with a broader week of EU–Egypt activity in Cairo, including the 6th Annual Conference on Water Finance and Investment (13–14 October), co-organized by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the European Union Delegation in Cairo, and reflects the EU’s intent to deepen collaboration on sustainable water management in Egypt and the region. In the framework of the 6th Annual Conference on Water Finance and Investment, the UfM organized a closed session for its member states and partners as part of the fourth meeting of the UfM working group on water finance and investment (WATFIN-4). During this session, SEMIDE as member of the working group presented the Sebou Water Fund as a local funding mechanism for grass-root stakeholders initiatives aligned with water policy.
Further information on Cairo water week website
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Water pollution: Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on priority substance
The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to update the directive on pollutants in surface and groundwater. Based on the latest scientific evidence, this revision strengthens water quality standards across Europe and aims to better protect both human health and aquatic ecosystems. The agreement clarifies the principle of “non-deterioration” of water bodies and introduces limited, narrowly defined exemptions, including temporary deterioration. Member States will have until 2039 to comply with the new standards, with the possibility of an extension until 2045 under strict conditions. For substances with more stringent environmental quality standards, the deadline is set for 2033.
Further information on SEMIDE website
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Med Water Lab 2025: focus on water security in the Balkans
Rome, September 16 – Working on the challenges and opportunities for water management in the broader Mediterranean, as part of the ONE Water project, actively supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Italy. This was the focus of the two-day meeting on water security in the Balkans, held at the CIHEAM headquarters in Bari and then at the Fiera del Levante as part of the Med Water Lab 2025 initiative. The meetings had the merit of developing and further elaborating shared guidelines, summarizing recommendations and policies to promote truly responsible and balanced management of our blue gold resources.
Further information on SEMIDE website
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Nature Credits Roadmap to reward nature-positive action and boost private finance
In July 2025, the European Commission launched a 'Roadmap towards Nature Credits', to incentivise private investments into actions that protect and preserve nature, and reward those who undertake these actions and invest in them.
Nature credits represent an investment into nature-positive actions by a company, a financial institution, a public entity, or a citizen, which in return can benefit from cleaner ecosystems, risk reduction, improved reputation and higher social acceptability for its projects. Those nature-positive actions can be valued and certified by an independent organisation, thus providing credibility to investors sponsoring the action through nature credits. The actions supported by nature credits can take different forms; some examples in the EU include restoring wetlands or extending forest areas.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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The New Pact for the Mediterranean
The New Pact for the Mediterranean renews and elevates the EU’s ambition to engage more deeply with countries across the Mediterranean region. As the flagship initiative of the Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), under the lead of the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, the Pact is being designed to foster a genuine partnership: grounded in mutual respect, shared priorities, joint ownership, and a firm commitment to delivering meaningful results that improve lives across all our societies.
At its core, the Pact is action-oriented. It aims to produce tangible benefits through concrete initiatives that respond directly to people’s needs and aspirations. These include progress in key areas such as clean energy and green technology, water resilience, climate adaptation, trade and investment, job creation, education and skills, mobility, digital innovation, port connectivity, and security and defence. It is organised around 3 pillars: 1. Educating and training people; 2. Sustainable and integrated economies; 3. Security.
Further information on SEMIDE website
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Council adopts new rules for healthier and more resilient European soils
The Council adopted on 29 September 2025 the soil monitoring directive, establishing the first-ever EU-wide framework for assessing and monitoring soils, with the overarching aspirational goal of achieving healthy soils across Europe by 2050. This directive is a key step towards healthier and more resilient soils, which are vital for food security, clean water, and the environment. The new rules will help improve soil resilience, ensure better management of contaminated sites, and introduce land-take mitigation principles, with a focus on soil sealing (the covering of soil with impermeable material such as concrete or asphalt) and soil removal (the removal of topsoil during activities such as construction).
Under the directive, member states will set up monitoring systems to assess the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soils on their territory, based on a common EU methodology. They will regularly report to the Commission and the European Environment Agency on the state of soil health, land take and contaminated sites, ensuring that there is comparable data across the EU and that coordinated action can be taken to tackle soil degradation. Steps will also be taken towards monitoring emerging contaminants such as PFAS, pesticides, and microplastics.
Further information on SEMIDE website
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Launch of the F4P online consultation on the PRIMA2 programme
FUTURE4PRIMA, an EU-funded project preparing the next phase of the PRIMA Programme, has launched a public consultation on PRIMA 2 – the renewed EU Partnership for Research & Innovation in the Mediterranean.
The consultation invites researchers, farmers, innovators, policymakers, businesses, and citizens to share their perspectives on priorities for water, energy, food, soil, and ecosystems; on barriers to innovation; and on how to ensure lasting impact across the Mediterranean.
Take part in the survey (20–25 minutes)
before 31 October.
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National News |
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Tunisia – France: €42 million for water
SONEDE and AFD have signed financing agreements for two major hydraulic infrastructure projects aimed at improving the drinking water supply to Tunisia’s main urban centers. These agreements provide additional funding of €12 million and €30 million to strengthen, respectively, the water supply system for Cap Bon, the Sahel, and Sfax, and to enhance water security for Greater Tunis.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Morocco: Bouregreg and Chaouia Basin: More than 14 million dirhams allocated to strengthen water supply and enhance water quality monitoring mechanisms.
Within the 2025 investment budget, the Bouregreg and Chaouia Hydraulic Basin Agency has allocated 14.87 million dirhams to assess water resources by carrying out a set of projects and field works aimed at strengthening hydrological knowledge and improving monitoring and oversight. These programmes include the topographic work needed to delineate the public banks of watercourses and adjacent properties, as well as groundwater exploration through 20 exploratory boreholes. They will be followed by measures to reinforce measurement and monitoring systems for aquifer pollution, under a partnership agreement with the Casablanca–Settat Region.
The Basin Agency (ABH) is also procuring and installing gauging equipment, communications, and data-transmission devices, along with the tools required to measure water and monitor the quality of water resources, including wastewater and pollution hotspots. Climate data are likewise being acquired in cooperation with the General Directorate of Meteorology.
The programmes further provide support for investment projects and urban development plans, with a view to improving water-resources management and ensuring the sustainable use of water across all territorial areas within the basin.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Algeria: Water security — the State confirms its choices
Algeria has made seawater desalination the core of its water strategy, aiming to meet 60% of national demand by 2026. The state has reorganized its institutions—turning the former energy company into the Algerian Desalination Company (ADC)—to drive R&D, localize advanced technologies, and ensure long-term operation of vital assets. Five coastal mega-plants (300,000 m³/day each) have already lifted production to about 3.7 million m³/day (~42% of needs), with 5–6 more planned across wilayas like Skikda, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Mostaganem, and Tlemcen. The government is also extending desalinated-water distribution up to 250 km inland and pushing domestic manufacturing of reverse-osmosis membranes to cut costs and bolster technological sovereignty.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Greece Launches 30-Year Water Strategy to Tackle Scarcity and Climate Pressures
Greece has unveiled a comprehensive national water strategy aimed at addressing increasing water scarcity and long-term climate challenges.
The plan introduces a centralized, investment-oriented approach to water management that replaces the country’s current fragmented system.
The strategy, presented during a government meeting held in July 2025 and chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is designed to modernize how Greece produces, distributes, and conserves water. Key components include broader use of desalination, improved coordination among water authorities, and a stronger push toward sustainability.
- The new model is built on five central pillars:
- Affirming water as a public good, in line with the Constitution.
- Ensuring financially viable water, irrigation, and sewage services with fair pricing
- Centralized planning and management of large- and small-scale projects.
- Immediate short-term actions over the next six months, supported by a public awareness campaign.
- Adoption of new technologies, including recycling, reuse, and desalination.
These pillars will guide the government’s actions in the months ahead as details are finalized.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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France: SEMIDE at the Urban Agriculture Festival in Nice: water, innovation, and European dimension
As every year, SEMIDE took part in the Nice Urban Agriculture Festival on Saturday, September 6, with a stand dedicated to water. On this occasion, several European projects in which SEMIDE is involved, such as CARDIMED and CRONUS, were presented to raise public awareness about innovative solutions for better water management.
The Director of SEMIDE also participated in the round table entitled “Gravity irrigation: heritage and water resource in the uplands.” He highlighted the importance of decentralizing the water sector, as well as the role of nature-based solutions in water recovery and reuse by farmers, a crucial issue in today’s context of drought.
Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Project News |
OurMED Summer School in Arborea: Participatory Processes and Environmental Conflict Mediation
The OurMED Summer School on “Participatory Processes and Environmental Conflict Mediation in Social-Ecological Systems” took place in Arborea (Oristano), Sardinia, in September 2025, gathering project partners and participants from related initiatives such as NextGen4MED to exchange knowledge and experience on Mediterranean sustainability challenges. The programme combined field visits and collaborative workshops: participants explored the experimental infiltration forest developed by the University of Sassari to reduce nitrate concentrations in soils, met a local dairy farming family, visited the fishermen’s cooperative in the S’Ena Arrubia wetlands, and were introduced to rice cultivation followed by participatory exercises in conflict mediation to co-design more inclusive and sustainable solutions. The Summer School emphasized the value of collaborative learning and knowledge sharing across the region.
Further information on OurMED website
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CRONUS at ISAM 2025: New insights into syngas biomethanation biofilms
CRONUS took part in the 13th International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology (ISAM2025) that was held in Leipzig between 22-25 September 2025.
Our partners from the Technical University of Denmark presented the paper “A new point of view: studying syngas biomethanation biofilm in flow-chambers”.
The full abstract of this new research paper prepared with the support of CRONUS is available here: Link
The ISAM conference series has a long tradition and aims to bring together researchers from all areas of anaerobic microbiology. It is known for its relaxed and collaborative atmosphere that promotes lively scientific discussions and networking.
Further information on CRONUS website
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FutureLakes at MissionLakes: Sharing Europe-wide insights on restoring lake ecosystems
FutureLakes participated in the MissionLakes Webinar Series, a collaborative initiative by four European projects: FutureLakes, EuroLakes, ProCleanLakes, and FERRO.
Our partners from SYKE and Aarhus University took part in the first edition under the topic “Innovations in Lake Restoration” that was held online in August 2025. Both speakers presented the Literature Review on Innovation in Lake Restoration conducted within the FutureLakes project.
This series of webinars is designed to support the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the field of lake restoration across Europe. By bringing together multiple initiatives, MissionLakes aims to strengthen cross-project collaboration, encourage innovation, and promote coordinated actions for the sustainable management and restoration of lake ecosystems.
Further information on FutureLakes website
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CARDIMED: Two Years In: Project Milestone Event in Zaragoza Highlights Nature-Based Solutions and French Demonstrator Progress
The project celebrated its second anniversary in Zaragoza on 24–26 September, with SEMIDE present as leader of the French demonstrator site and as facilitator of a workshop on financing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). More than 80 participants from the 18 demonstrator sites worked together to reflect on the economic value of the benefits delivered by NBS. The French demonstrator (Marseille) made strong progress over the summer, with an additional 1,100 m² de-sealed on the Saint-Jérôme campus and 1,140 m² on the Saint-Charles campus bringing the total de-sealed area to 6,840 m² to optimize stormwater infiltration on campus grounds. The Saint-Jérôme site will receive its final plantings in November and will then be completed. The Saint-Charles site will undergo a second phase of works in summer 2026. SEMIDE also organized discussion workshops with site users to gather feedback on the implementation of NBS and how the public engages with them.
Further information on CARDIMED website
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NIAGARA: Joins the EU cluster ZeroPollution4Water, Begins Prototype Testing at La Presa, and Releases First Policy Recommendations
The NIAGARA project has joined the ZeroPollution4Water cluster, and partners have enrolled in thematic working groups with the other sister projects, enabling coherent progress on shared topics such as policy shaping. The project will now move into the testing phase for the developed prototypes, which will be deployed at the “La Presa” drinking water treatment plant in Valencia, Spain. In addition, SEMIDE has drafted the first version of the project’s policy recommendations and policy brief, focusing on an analysis of EU legislation governing the distribution and monitoring of drinking water, as well as the regulatory framework for the emerging pollutants targeted by the project: Bisphenol A, Imazalil, Helicobacter pylori, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and nano-/microplastics. SEMIDE also represented NIAGARA at the 1st SENTIATECH Congress in Valencia, where Elrik Du Saillant Du Luc presented the project’s findings on EU policies addressing emerging pollutants in drinking water and discussed key regulatory gaps and future policy recommendations.
Further information on NIAGARA website
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Nominations/Vacancies |
France (Oct 12, 2025): Monique Barbut nominated Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature in the new Lecornu government. Further information here.
Algeria (Sept 14, 2025): Taha Derbal nominated Minister of Water Resources in the new Ghrieb government. Further information here.
Spain (July 18, 2025): Gloria M. Martín Valcárcel appointed President of the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority (Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir). Further information here.
Morocco (July 2025): Brahim Outamrich appointed director of information systems and digitalization within the Ministry of Equipment and Water. Further information here.
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Published on September 29, 2025, by the European Environment Agency, the report stresses that climate change and environmental degradation pose a direct threat to Europe’s competitiveness, which depends on natural resources. It adds that achieving climate neutrality by 2050 also hinges on better and responsible management of land, water, and other resources. Protecting natural resources, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and reducing pollution will build the resilience of vital societal functions that depend on nature, such as food security, drinking water, and flood defences. |
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A new study within the OurMED PRIMA-funded project highlights that, despite the growing interest in NbS applications, their integration into landscape planning at the catchment scale remains limited, given the multi-disciplinary comprehensive features related to them. To overcome this shortcoming, this study presents a multi-disciplinary GIS-based framework for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing NbS at the catchment scale, specifically focusing on water resources availability and management. |
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A new reflection publication has been released following the session “Scaling Innovative Adaptation Finance Solutions: Transference of Financial Structures and Instruments” held at the European Climate Change Adaptation Conference (ECCA 2025). The document was developed under the Thematic Working Group on Financing Climate Action of the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change Implementation Platform (MIP4ADAPT). This publication aims to promote knowledge exchange and the dissemination of innovative financial practices that support climate adaptation. It explores various mechanisms such as Environmental Impact Bonds, innovative insurance solutions, Public-Private Partnerships, tax incentives, and Payments for Ecosystem Services, drawing on real-world case studies from across Europe. The publication, to which UT SEMIDE contributed, highlights the collaboration between several European initiatives including CARDIMED, CLIMATEFIT, SOTERIA, REGILIENCE, NATALIE, ARCADIA, and PATHWAYS2RESILIENCE. It showcases recent developments in adaptation finance and outlines the challenges ahead to accelerate resource mobilisation, strengthen multi-level governance, and encourage greater engagement from the private sector. |
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The European Commission has pre-published the draft Work Programmes 2026–2027 on the Comitology Register to help stakeholders prepare early. This includes Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment) with water-related topics. Note these are drafts and may change before official publication. |
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Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025 |
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“Arctic Waters and Beyond” focuses on hydro-environment engineering with strong freshwater angles: climate-change adaptation/mitigation, water for the energy transition and food security, resilience to floods/droughts, and digital transformation in river-basin and urban water systems. |
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Submission Deadline: 3–8 May 2026 |
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Overview: The EGU General Assembly 2026 brings together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience. |
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SCUOLA SUPERIORE SANT’ANNA |
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The WAT-CHANGE Seasonal School organized by SCUOLA SUPERIORE SANT’ANNA – PISA (ITALY) aims at introducing the participants to the new growing area of nature-based solutions providing water-related ecosystem services. In particular, we will deal with nature-based solutions for water supply, treatment of polluted water, flood risk mitigation measures, managed aquifer recharge, river restoration, constructed wetlands and sustainable drainage systems. |
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The Final Conference of the WeGoCoop project will be held in Marseille on 5-6 November. It will host the First Mediterranean Forum on Wetland Contracts, a flagship event dedicated to advancing sustainable management and governance of wetlands across the region. The attendance is possible in person or online with registration here. |
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Ministry of Equipment and Water/ IWRA |
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The XIX World Water Congress will explore innovative solutions and adaptive strategies and approaches for water resources in an increasingly changing world. |
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As part of this winter edition organised by Water Europe for its members, opened sessions are organised around EU projects clusters. The “Alternative Water and cicular solutions” cluster featuring MARCLAIMED, AWARD, and RECREATE is illustrating new ways to unlock Alternative Water Resources through recharge, smarter storage, and reuse, delivering tangible resilience solutions. The ZeroPollution4Water Cluster is bringing together 15 EU projects. |
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Water Resilience Forum Brussels, Belgium, 8 December 2025 |
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Following the adoption of the European Water Resilience Strategy, the first Water Resilience Forum will bring together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society to chart the path toward a water-resilient EU by 2050. |
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The 3 main axes of the Colloquium are Science, Technology & Innovation, Law, Institutions & Society, Literature, Poetry & Imagination. |
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The international conference “Water and Ecosystem Resilience under Changing Hydrological Cycle” will take place at the Verdi Tunis Beach Resort Hotel in Gammarth, Tunis, from 2 to 4 June 2026. The event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss sustainable water management, climate resilience, and ecosystem integrity. It will also be an excellent opportunity for the ZeroPollution4Water Cluster and related EU projects to showcase their work and foster synergies with the Mediterranean community. |
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29 September - 2 October 2026 |
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The Forum, which has previously focused solely on Mediterranean countries, will for the first time include all European and Balkan states. This decision was announced in Bali, Indonesia, during the 10th World Water Forum. |
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