The EU4Green Recovery East programme has officially launched with online kick-off meetings in February and March. This €21.3 million EU-funded programme (2025-2028) supports a greener, more resilient, and competitive economy across the Eastern Partnership region.

Building on a decade of EU cooperation, the programme focuses on circular economy, sustainable water management, environmental data, and legal alignment with EU standards. With the inception phase now underway, project partners are engaging directly with beneficiaries in each country to tailor activities to national priorities.

Implemented by five partners: Expertise France with the French International Office for Water (OiEau), OECD, UNECE, UNIDO, and the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), as the consortium coordinator. , the programme reinforces the EU’s commitment to green transition and regional cooperation.

As part of the EU4Environment Water and Data programme, the implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine aims to improve the qualitative and quantitative status of water bodies. A key component of these plans is the programme of measures, which includes a range of actions to restore affected water bodies. 

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) play a crucial role in RBMPs, offering sustainable approaches that address environmental challenges while preserving biodiversity and natural resources. These solutions provide cost-effective, long-term alternatives to traditional infrastructure investments. 

The Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in the Eastern Partnership Countries offers: 
� 34 documented NbS factsheets with case studies and technical references 
� Examples of cost calculations and unit costs 
� Practical guidance for practitioners, decision-makers, and researchers 

Examples of NbS already in use across the region include: 
� Community forest and pasture management in Moldova’s Orhei National Park 
� Agroforestry systems in Georgia to reduce wind erosion 
� Steppe ecosystem restoration in Ukraine to protect wildlife habitats 

� Download the catalogue in all languages: https://eu4waterdata.eu/en/resource-library-hidden/56-eap-region-3/378-catalogue-of-nature-based-solutions-for-water-management-in-the-eastern-partnership-countries.html  

The catalogue and their translations been developed with the support of the European Union via technical guidance of the International Office for Water (OiEau) France. 

As 2024 comes to a close, we send warm season’s greetings to our partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This year marks the culmination of the EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data programme. As we reflect on our achievements, we look forward to the upcoming successor programme under the title EU4Green Recovery East , which will carry forward and expand this important work in 2025 and beyond. 

Reflecting on key achievements  

Over the past years, the EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data project has successfully strengthened cooperation in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, improving water resource management and enhancing environmental data collection to foster sustainable development. Through joint efforts and dedication, we have achieved notable milestones that have laid a foundation for better environmental governance and shared regional progress. Milestones include: 

• Adoption of River Basin Management Plans and improved water quality monitoring networks. 

• Support for legislative reforms aligning with EU standards, such as groundwater quality norms and nitrate pollution control. 

• Promotion of public health monitoring, such as SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance. 

• Enhanced transboundary cooperation on shared water resources, improving data sharing and joint governance. 

Introducing EU4Green Recovery East 

As we conclude one chapter, we open another with EU4Green Recovery East, a new regional programme launching in 2025. With an EU contribution of €21.3 million, this programme will support EaP countries in transitioning to greener, more resilient economies, incorporating circular economy principles and promoting sustainable resource use. 

EU4Green Recovery East will focus on: 

• circular economy promotion along the full lifecycle approaches; 

• pollution reduction with a focus on water as a critical resource for the economy; 

• legislative alignment with the European Green Deal, including, where relevant, with Chapter 27 of the EU acquis and facilitation of the accession process; 

• integration into EU-wide environmental cooperation, and 

• promotion of compliance with international commitments relevant for the Global Gateway Strategy and infrastructure modernisation. 

This programme builds on the foundation laid by the EU4Environment-Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, leveraging synergies with other EU programmes (EU4Environment – Green Economy) and partnerships to accelerate development in line with the Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership countries. 

Looking Forward 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data. Your dedication has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. As we embark on this new journey with EU4Green Recovery, we look forward to working together toward a greener, more sustainable future for the region. 

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a prosperous and environmentally conscious 2025! 

The EU-funded research and innovation project, SpongeWorks, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, is offering an exciting opportunity for regions to join its Associated Regions network. Local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, are eligible to apply for this unique initiative aimed at improving water retention, soil health, and climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions. 

Why Participate? 

By becoming an Associated Region, your area will receive support to implement innovative ‘sponge measures’ designed to enhance the sponge function of landscapes. This includes restoring rivers, meadows, and floodplains, applying soil conservation practices, introducing urban greening, and implementing sustainable urban water management solutions like rainwater harvesting. 

Eight selected regions will receive up to €100,000 in grant funding to design, implement and evaluate these solutions tailored to their specific needs. Beyond financial support, SpongeWorks offers access to technical expertise, capacity building, and an international network of practitioners, with the aim of fostering community engagement and knowledge-sharing. 

What’s in it for your region? 

Financial Support: Up to €100,000 to implement impactful initiatives. 

Capacity Building: Access to tools, workshops, and experienced practitioners. 

Visibility and Networking: Opportunities to showcase your region at the European level through SpongeWorks events and the promotion of successful demonstration sites. 

How to Apply? 

The call is open to local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. 

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. 

Visit the SpongeWorks website to download the guidelines and the application form: https://spongeworks.eu/associated-regions 

The official call for tenders: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/9481 

On October 30, 2024, an online workshop introduced the newly developed Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). The presentation was attended by nearly 200 participants from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and the EU, including national authorities, water experts, water user representatives, donors, and various organizations engaged in water management and Nature-based Solution projects. The workshop emphasized the critical role of Nature-based Solutions in tackling water-related issues and aligning with EU law, notably the Water Framework Directive (WFD). 

A Practical Tool for Sustainable Water Resource Management 

Nature-based Solutions are actions that copy or make use of natural processes (ecosystem services) and can be applied in low-cost and sustainable ways. They often restore modified ecosystems and provide additional benefits for human well-being.  

Developed by the International Office for Water (OiEau) under the EU4Environment - Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, the NbS Catalogue provides a comprehensive guide tailored to address specific water-related challenges in each EaP country. It features a range of solutions that can help mitigate issues such as water pollution, flow disruption, and hydromorphological changes, which at the same time are also improving biodiversity and climate adaptation. 

The new catalogue serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, helping them identify and prioritize the most suitable Nature-Based Solutions for their regions. It includes detailed factsheets, implementation recommendations, and financing options, supporting the incorporation of NbS into Programmes of Measures (PoMs) within River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). 

Eastern Partnership Knowledge Exchange 

As an example, experts from RECC Caucasus shared insights on integrating NbS into Georgia’s River Basin Management Plans for the Enguri and Rioni basins. Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine reported their experiences and challenges in adopting NbS within their national water strategies. This collaboration is expected to enhance the usability of the NbS Catalogue across varied water user sectors and contexts in the region. 

Dowload the presentations: 

• Nature based Solutions for the WFD and the FD
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and River Basin Management Plans in Georgia
• Presentation of the Nature Based Solutions Catalogue for RBMPS
• Catalogue of Nature Based Solution for Improved Water Management in Eastern Partnership Countries

Ljubljana, Slovenia – 22 October 2024.  

On the eve of the 10th Meeting of the Parties (MOP10) to the Water Convention in Ljubljana, the “European Union for Environment” programme presented the results of the long-standing water cooperation involving the European Union, its Member States and EU’s Eastern partners, with the expert input of the OECD and UNECE. Due to this cooperation and EU’s financial support, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, have been innovating to manage their water resources better, increasingly in line with EU law, especially the Water Framework Directive, and other international standards and best practices, such as the United Nations Water Convention. Held in the margins of the MOP10, this event highlighted the key achievements in the region on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries shared success stories as inspiration for solutions to water challenges elsewhere. The participants also looked forward to the continuation of their cooperation in a Team Europe spirit. 

Highlights of the achievements 

Since 2021, and based on previous EU support, the water pillar of the EU4Environment programme has been an accelerator of the EaP countries’ water management reforms. Due to this support, the countries have: 

• Developed an impressive number of 21 comprehensive River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. These plans serve as critical tools for achieving sustainable water management at the basin level and for involving local stakeholders. 

• Made significant progress in water quality monitoring and data collection, from the field to the laboratory, to ensure better informed decision-making and a higher effect of management measures. 

• Promoted cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder cooperation through National Policy Dialogue platforms and regional peer exchange, contributing to improved water security across the region. 

• Worked to introduce and secure sound investment planning and financing mechanisms for water management, addressing the long-standing challenge of undervalued water and upgrading economic instruments such as water tariffs and taxes for provided services in water supply and sanitation. 

• Promoted nature-based solutions to reduce ecosystem degradation and enhance the provision of natural ecosystem services (e.g. flood retention, self-purification, groundwater recharge). 

• Addressed public health through epidemiological monitoring of urban wastewater, such as SARS-Covid2, in line with EU benchmarks and the UN Protocol on Water and Health.
  

The programme also contributed to strengthening cross-border water cooperation. Transboundary basins such as the Prut and the Dniester are of strategic importance, and the event underlined the role of shared water management in promoting peace and security in the region.  

Reflecting on these achievements, Gérald Audaz, Team Leader for the Economic and Investment Plan at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood & Enlargement Negotiations, said: "We trust that the water management innovations adopted by our Eastern partners will deliver positive results for the environment and improve people’s wellbeing. Water resilience is a critical part of our economies’ and societies’ resilience, not least because of climate change and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The European Union has been, and will continue working together with the Eastern Partnership countries, including in the framework of the EU enlargement process, towards a clean environment, prosperity, peace, and stability." 

Marco Keiner, Director, Environment Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said: “The achievements of the Eastern Partnership countries in modernising water management underscore the power of collaboration across borders. Through shared efforts, we are not only improving water governance but also advancing peace, security, and resilience. This is a critical step forward in ensuring that future generations inherit healthy ecosystems and reliable water resources in a rapidly changing world.” 

Alexander Zinke, of Environment Agency Austria and speaking on behalf of the programme’s implementing partners, highlighted: "The success of our long-years cooperation with the Eastern Partnership Countries shows the importance of step-wise technical support and capacity building. By aligning their water policies with EU standards, these countries are better and better equipped to tackle current environmental challenges and ensure sustainable protection and fair use of all water resources for future generations.” 

Looking ahead 

In addition to reviewing key successes, the participants were informed about planned follow up work. A new EU-funded regional programme, set to start in early 2025, will continue to facilitate water management reforms while broadening their scope, e.g. to address resilience in the face of climate change.  

Background information  

Since 2016, two EU Member States agencies (International Office for Water in France, Environment Agency Austria) and two international organisations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)) have been working together within the framework EU-funded programmes in the Eastern Partnership countries to bring water management closer to the European Union and international standards. This cooperation started with the “EU Water Initiative Plus” (EUWI+) project (2016-2020) and continues until end of 2024 with the “EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data” programme. The later programme is principally funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and the French Artois-Picardie Water Agency based on a budget of EUR 12,75 million (EUR 12 million EU contribution).  

For detailed insights and results, download our comprehensive PDF report: Download the PDF.

To learn more about water management innovations, check out our latest video highlighting these advancements within the framework of the Water Convention: Watch the video.