The European Water Movement is organising its 2024 Annual Meeting in Lyon (France) from 4 to 6 April.

The European Water Movement, promoting water as part of the commons, is an open, participatory and pluralist network whose aim is to strengthen recognition of water as a common and as universal fundamental right, an essential element for all living beings. We also feel part of a general movement for commons, of which water is a symbol, and together we want to keep privatisation and commodification away from this vital element, in order to establish public and collective management of water based on the democratic participation of citizens and workers.

Together we want to identify systematic and systemic threats to democracy and the human right to water and develop new alternatives and spaces to ensure a fair, inclusive and transparent governance of water in the future.

This year’s meeting will host vibrant discussions on the public management of water and the right to water on the European continent, with valuable insights from activists and experts of remunicipalisation processes.

Members and the general public will have the opportunity to discuss topics linked to water pollution (PFAS, mining and pesticides) and to water grabbing and the destruction of ecosystems (megaponds and gravel pits, tourism/agriculture, etc.). As criminalisation of activists is rising in Europe and globally (read the last Report of @Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Environmental Defenders), we will share experiences from Europe and Latin America.

Saturday will be the opportunity to meet with French movements and dive deeper in local struggles.

Discover the detailed program here: Detailed Program (it is not yet finalised but no major changes will occur)

Interpretation in English, French and Spanish will be provided over the course of the 3 days. It is likely that some sessions will be hybrid. Links will be provided as soon as possible.

REGISTRATION

Please register to all events you want to attend here.

Disclaimer: Due to capacity limitation of the movie room, we might not be able to welcome everyone. Therefore, we kindly ask you to register to ensure your spot. In case you can't attend, please reach out to us at hello@europeanwater.org.