Like the concept of 'low-carbon economy' recommended for energy in the context of climate change, the European Union should also strive to become a 'low water consumption economy' owing to problems of drought and water scarcity. This is one of the key ideas developed at the conference on 'Saving Europe's water - What solutions can business offer?', on 5 November in Brussels, sponsored by Friends of Europe. The debate followed on from the European Commission's communication on drought and water scarcity (COM(2007)414) and the European Parliament's vote on this subject, on 9 October last. "In the face of increased threats of drought and scarcity of water resources, it must be our priority to develop a culture of water savings and efficient use," declared Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, who added that Europe wastes around 40% of the water it uses. "That is not sustainable," he said, adding that the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), if correctly implemented, would allow progress in this direction.
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