No White Paper is necessary. There is no need to speculate on five different visions about the future. We must simply do what is expected of us to keep the Union alive, listen to the people and ensure the EU keeps its promises, so that it becomes stronger.
The Commission's behaviour - ignoring 1,884,790 signatures from European citizens asking for public access to water - is the perfect example of what not to do if you want to be 'popular'.
Right2Water was a great demonstration of what people can achieve when they are truly committed and interested in a topic, and how they can act together across an entire continent to fight for an important right.
Technically, they followed the correct procedure, but it's been three years and still people are waiting for the Commission to propose new legislation implementing the human right to water and sanitation as recognised by the UN, and promoting the provision of water and sanitation as essential public services for all.
Failing to provide answers for such a long time is a lack of respect - both on the part of Europe towards its citizens, and consequently, on the part of citizens towards the European institutions.
I strongly believe that universal access to water is a human right, and EU legislation must call on governments to provide all citizens with sufficient and clean drinking water and sanitation.
Two years ago, I gave a speech in plenary and I remember being disappointed by the Commission's weak reply. Today, I am completely frustrated. It looks like the Commission still considers water as a commodity and not a public good. Why is the people's voice still not being heard? What interests lie behind this illogical behaviour?
The Right2Water campaign calls on the EU institutions and member states to ensure all inhabitants enjoy the right to water and sanitation; for water supply and the management of water resources not to be subject to internal market rules and that water services be excluded from liberalisation; and for the EU to increase its efforts to achieve universal access to water and sanitation.
It's time to give the citizens answers, to make the Union stronger and fairer. As an independent member of Parliament's Greens group and as a member of the environment committee, I think it is fundamental not only to grant access to clean water for everyone, but also important to educate people on not wasting water.
Saving water is our only option to have enough clean and safe water for everyone around the world, every day. Looking for a more efficient use of our water resources is a way of improving our technologies and creating jobs. We cannot overlook the fact that the ability to properly manage water may be 'a weapon' for those who possess it; water could end up becoming the 21st century's oil.