Latest Eurostat data place Cyprus first in the EU for water stress, far ahead of most member states.
Cyprus has recorded the highest level of water scarcity in the European Union, according to the latest figures released by the European Parliament using Eurostat data.
The island's Water Exploitation Index Plus (WEI+) stands at 75.3%, placing Cyprus well above the 40% level that defines severe water scarcity. The index measures how much of a country's renewable freshwater resources are used each year.
Spain follows closely at 71%, while Romania records 47.4% and Malta 30.1%. Many northern European countries remain below 5%.
The figures come as the European Parliament approved a report calling for stronger EU action on water governance, warning that access to water is becoming an increasingly important issue for security, stability and international cooperation.
MEPs are urging the European Union to strengthen water diplomacy, invest more in climate-resilient water infrastructure and support agreements between countries that share rivers and other freshwater resources. The report also calls for accountability when water infrastructure is deliberately targeted during conflicts.
Globally, the challenge is immense. Around 2.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water, while 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation services. An estimated four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month every year.
The contrast with much of northern Europe is striking. Finland records a WEI+ of just 0.5%, Sweden 0.2% and Latvia 0.1%, reflecting abundant freshwater resources and relatively low demand.
With information from European Parliament News and @europeanparliament Facebook.
