More than 100 regional and local leaders from across Europe will gather in Mikulov, Czech Republic, on 21 September 2026 for the EPP-CoR External Cross-Border Group Meeting, hosted by Jan Zámečník, Deputy-Governor of the South Moravian Region, in cooperation with the State Parliament of Lower Austria. Under the title "Shared Water, Shared Future: Building Water Resilience Through Territorial Cooperation and Exchange of Good Practices", the meeting will focus on one of Europe's most pressing challenges: ensuring water resilience while strengthening regional competitiveness.
Taking place at a crucial moment as the European Union advances its Water Resilience Agenda, prepares the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and launches the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, the meeting in Mikulov will bring together European, national, regional and local decision-makers to discuss how investment, innovation and territorial cooperation can help secure Europe’s water future. The Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform will be launched at the European Committee of the Regions with the participation of Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and EPP-CoR member Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon.
The discussions will highlight the essential role of regions and cities in addressing increasing water scarcity, climate change, flooding and droughts, while ensuring that water remains a driver of economic competitiveness, sustainable agriculture, industrial development and citizens' quality of life.
The meeting will be opened by Jan Grolich, Governor of the South Moravian Region and Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group. Keynote contributions will include a video message from Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Marek Mora, Vice-President, European Investment Bank.
EPP-CoR members and invited experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities of Europe's water resilience through two high-level political panels.
Panel I will focus on "Financing Water Resilience to Boost Competitiveness in our Regions and Cities." The discussion will bring together Alexander Bernhuber, Member of the European Parliament; Paul Rübig, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon as well as Oriana Romano, Head of Unit, OECD Water Governance Programme to explore how European investment can strengthen water resilience while enhancing regional competitiveness.
Panel II will address "Delivering Water Resilience: Accelerating Implementation and Fostering Coordinated Action to Achieve Water Security at the Local and Regional Level." The discussion will feature local and regional leaders from across Europe, including Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region; Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk; Anthony Chircop, President of the Eastern Region of Malta; Jan Zámečník, Deputy-Governor of the South Moravian Region, Piotr Całbecki, President of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region; together with other regional representatives, highlighting practical experiences and successful territorial cooperation in water management.
The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the Mikulov Declaration, setting out the EPP-CoR’s priorities for strengthening Europe’s water resilience. It calls for water resilience to be a strategic priority in the 2028–2034 EU budget, backed by long-term investment, place-based solutions and stronger cross-border cooperation, while recognising regions and cities as key partners, innovators and investors. It also calls for an enhanced role for the European Investment Bank, including improved access to low-interest financing and technical assistance for regional and local water projects.
On 22 September, participants will also take part in a study visit to the Marchfeldkanal in Lower Austria, showcasing a practical example of cross-border water management and resilience in action.