Brussels, December 10-11, 2024 – The 33rd General Assembly of the European Water Regulators (WAREG) concluded successfully on 10-11 December at the CEER Premises in Brussels. Bringing together 34 regulatory authorities from across Europe and stakeholders, this meeting addressed important developments within the water sector and set a strategic course for the association’s future.
New Board Elected
The Assembly elected Vera Eiró, Chairman of ERSAR Portugal, as the new President of WAREG. The Vice Presidents forming the Board, which will be active until 2026, include:
- Pál Ságvári, Vice President of MEKH, Hungary
- Ivaylo Kastchiev, Director at EWRC, Bulgaria
- Konstantinos Tsimaras, Vice President of RAAEY, Greece
- Andrea Guerrini, Board Member of ARERA, Italy
This diverse leadership team reflects WAREG’s commitment to collaborative and inclusive governance in the European water sector.
Vera Eiró expressed her vision for WAREG, stating: “I am deeply honoured to lead WAREG during this transformative period. Our focus will be on strengthening collaboration between members and with EU institutions, advancing regulatory practices and efficiency in service provision, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate neutrality and resilience in the water sector. Together, we can make a significant impact for the communities we serve.”
Andrea Guerrini, in his last day as President of WAREG, reflected on his new position in the WAREG Board: “I am honoured to represent ARERA and Italy in such a significant role as Vice-president. This appointment is the result of the work we have carried out as an Authority in recent years to strengthen water sector regulation and contribute to the transition towards more equitable and sustainable management models.”
A new Presidency and Vice-presidency and a confirmed permanent Vice-presidency
The Board composition reflects a new role of ERSAR, the Portuguese regulator who stepped in as President of the network and a new Board member RAEEY, the Greek regulator. The Assembly also confirmed ARERA Italy’s status as Permanent Vice President. This special recognition honours ARERA’s instrumental role in the establishment of the legal headquarters in Italy and in supporting the growth of WAREG. From this Board onward, ARERA will maintain a permanent position on the WAREG Board.
Workshop on Climate Neutrality in the Water Sector
Coinciding with the General Assembly, WAREG organized a high-level workshop on achieving climate neutrality in the water sector. The workshop focused on:
- Energy efficiency
- Investment strategies
- Governance frameworks
A key highlight was the release of the WAREG & FSR paper titled “From Energy Efficiency to Climate Neutrality in the Water Sector.” This publication provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations for advancing sustainability in water services.
About WAREG
WAREG is the association of European water regulators, dedicated to fostering cooperation, best practices, and regulatory advancements across Europe’s water and wastewater sectors. The 33rd General Assembly underscores WAREG’s ongoing mission to promote sustainable, efficient, and equitable water services for all.
For further information, please contact: secretariat@wareg.org