Rome, 30 September 2026 – The European water regulatory community gathered in Rome on 29–30 September for the 39th General Assembly of WAREG, with Members addressing key challenges shaping the future of water regulation across Europe, from climate change and water scarcity to tariff frameworks, investment and evolving European water policy.
A key milestone of the Assembly was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between WAREG and the International Network of Basin Organisations (INBO), strengthening cooperation between economic water regulators and river basin organisations.
The agreement provides a framework for greater exchange of knowledge and experience on water resilience, governance, sustainable investment and other areas of common interest. It also reflects WAREG’s commitment to strengthening dialogue across the different dimensions of European water governance and to bringing the perspective of economic regulation to increasingly interconnected water policy challenges.
Climate change and water scarcity were at the heart of a dedicated session on the role of economic regulators in managing water crises. Representatives of regulators from Italy, Hungary, Greece and Portugal shared national experiences and case studies, opening an exchange on how regulatory frameworks can respond to growing pressure on water resources while supporting investment, service sustainability and the interests of consumers. The discussion highlighted the increasingly important role of regulators in helping water sectors adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure the long-term sustainability of essential services.
Members also took stock of WAREG’s work on tariff regulatory frameworks, including the ongoing WAREG Tariff Framework Report. The initiative contributes to WAREG’s wider efforts to strengthen knowledge exchange among European regulators and build a clearer comparative understanding of the different approaches to tariff regulation across European water sectors.
The second day of the Assembly included discussions on the integration of waste-related regulatory competences within WAREG, building on work initiated by the network earlier in 2026. Members also reviewed developments at European level and the activities of WAREG’s Working Groups, discussing current priorities and forthcoming activities across the organisation.
“The discussions in Rome demonstrate how rapidly the regulatory agenda is evolving. Water crisis, investment, affordability and environmental objectives are increasingly interconnected and need to be considered together. Strong cooperation among regulators, and with organisations such as INBO, is therefore more important than ever.”
— Prof. Vera Eiró, President of WAREG
“The Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 39th Assembly by WAREG and INBO marks the start of a collaboration between European regulators and basin organisations, aimed at bringing together the different actors in water governance,” said Alessandro Bratti, Permanent Vice-President of WAREG and Member of the Board of ARERA, the Italian Regulatory Authority.
The 39th General Assembly follows WAREG’s 38th General Assembly, held in Budapest in June 2026. The network will reconvene for its next General Assembly in December 2026.