Copernicus Thematic Workshop on Water

A new series of Copernicus Thematic Workshops is being launched, beginning with the Copernicus Thematic Workshop on Water, an event dedicated to exploring how Earth Observation (EO) can support the sustainable management of one of Europe’s most vital resources.

Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in collaboration with the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the Copernicus Entrusted Entities, this hybrid event will take place on 1 December 2025 from 9:30 till 16:30 at the Borschette Congress Center in Brussels and online.

A new series of thematic collaborations

The Copernicus Thematic Workshops are key collaborative platforms designed to strengthen the dialogue between users, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers. The workshops focus on specific thematic domains to demonstrate how Copernicus Earth Observation data and services can address real-world challenges, linking space-based capabilities directly to user needs and guiding the evolution of future Copernicus services.

Each workshop in the series will address key environmental and societal challenges, focusing on climate-related risks and resilience, contributing to the European Union’s sustainability objectives.

Why focus on water?

Water is essential for life, economic development, and environmental stability. Yet Europe faces increasing challenges, from floods and droughts to water pollution and resource scarcity, intensified by climate change and human activity. Effective management of this resource requires accurate, timely, and comprehensive data.

In line with the European Water Resilience Strategy, published in June, effective management of this vital resource relies on accurate, timely, and comprehensive data to support sustainable and resilient water systems across the continent.

Copernicus, the EU’s flagship Earth Observation programme, provides a wealth of information supporting water monitoring, policy reporting, and decision-making. Building on the success of the 2018 Copernicus Workshop on Water , this new edition will present the latest progress and showcase how Copernicus services contribute to the Water Framework Directive, flood and drought management, and climate adaptation strategies.

Workshop highlights and objectives

This one-day event will encourage the dialogue between service providers and end-users and structure the discussion around the following:

• Explore the current landscape of EO applications in fresh water management .
• Discover Copernicus products addressing water quality, quantity, floods, and reporting.
• Share user needs and expectations from authorities, industry, and EU institutions.
• Discuss operational, legal, and technical challenges.
• Define the next steps to enhance Copernicus water services.

The workshop’s agenda includes insights from various institutional stakeholders from the European Commission to contributions from national agencies, researchers, and private sector representatives. Interactive sessions will explore how EO data can be better integrated into policy frameworks and on-the-ground water management practices.

Who should attend?

The event welcomes public authorities, EU institutions and agencies, research and academic communities, and private sector actors active in the water and environmental domains.

Join the conversation

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the Copernicus Thematic Workshop on Water will help shape the evolution of Copernicus services to better meet Europe’s water management and sustainability challenges.

Join us in Brussels or online to contribute to a shared vision for a resilient and water-secure Europe!