As Europe faces escalating water stress, the EU-funded NEXOGENESIS project has released its second policy brief, offering recommendations to support the European Commission’s forthcoming Water Resilience Strategy. With a focus on systemic, science-driven policy, the brief champions the use of the WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) approach, powered by artificial intelligence and stakeholder co-creation.

The NEXOGENESIS project is developing the innovative Nexus Policy Assessment Tool (NEPAT)—an AI-powered decision support system designed to evaluate how policies impact interconnected WEFE systems across case studies from river basins in both Europe and Africa.

A Call for Coherent, Nexus-Based Policy

Policy Brief #2 highlights the need for:

  • Encouraging Nexus Thinking in EU policy design to harmonise goals across water, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection.

  • Strengthening transboundary cooperation with aligned legal frameworks, participatory governance, and shared data standards.

  • Securing long-term financial support for water-smart transitions through mechanisms like the EU’s Blue Deal and public-private partnerships.

  • Standardising data collection to improve interoperability and decision-making across river basins.

“NEXOGENESIS puts forward a vision for an integrated and resilient future,” said project representatives. “The NEPAT tool demonstrates how evidence-based policymaking can foster smarter resource use, better ecosystem protection, and stronger collaboration across borders.”

Aligning with Europe’s Political Priorities

The recommendations echo the strategic priorities outlined in the European Commission’s 2024–2029 guidelines, which aim to enhance water security, support a competitive water industry, and advance digital, circular water management. The brief urges that these ambitions be grounded in real-world data and localised solutions—principles core to the NEXOGENESIS approach.

Explore the Future of Water Governance

As the EU finalises its Water Resilience Strategy, stakeholders are encouraged to explore NEXOGENESIS insights and engage with its tools and findings.

🔗 Visit the project website: nexogenesis.eu
📘 Read Policy Brief #2 now: here
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@NEXOGENESIS_eu | @NEXOGENESIS