Long-term EU Budget 2028–34: Promote innovative financing models for digital technology deployment, with favourable funding conditions for projects demonstrating effective use of smart technologies. Revision of EU Public Procurement Rules: Incentivise digital solutions in water procurement and introduce EU guidelines to help local and national authorities integrate qualitative criteria beyond price. Leverage All Relevant EU Policy Initiatives: Ensure that upcoming frameworks such as the EU Climate Adaptation Plan explicitly recognise the role of data and digital technologies in strengthening water resilience.
