The European Parliament approved by absolute majority the Water Resilience Strategy, following the adoption of a landmark report presented by Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada as rapporteur, the Labour Party said in a statement.

"This is Bajada's first major report, placing strong emphasis on the need to safeguard and manage clean, safe water-an increasingly scarce but essential resource for all Europeans."

In his speech, Bajada underlined that water is the foundation of life-not only for people but also for the economy and the environment.

"He stressed that citizens across Europe are facing challenges that are no longer theoretical but lived experiences: droughts that destroy livelihoods, floods that devastate communities, and crises that until recently seemed confined to certain regions but now affect everyone," the PL said.

"The approved strategy puts people at the heart of its vision. It recognises that water can no longer be treated as an infinite resource and sets a clear direction to prioritise the security of clean water supplies, public health, and the sustainability of food production. Crucially, it also calls for European solidarity to support those regions that have too often been left to cope alone with water crises."

The PL said that Bajada spearheaded negotiations with the EP political groups ahead of the plenary vote to secure a more ambitious stance on PFAS pollution-a group of toxic 'forever chemicals' that persist in the environment and threaten public health. "The final text strengthens Parliament's call for a complete phase-out of PFAS across all non-essential uses, going beyond the version adopted in committee," the PL said.

"I welcome the good results of my efforts-where public health won over party politics," Bajada stated.

Today's vote sends a strong and united message to the European Commission to act without delay, the PL said. "Bajada reminded Parliament that Mediterranean countries, including Malta, have long lived with water scarcity and have had to innovate to make every drop count. Now, this experience is being shared at the European level to protect all communities," it added.

"Water is life, and it is our duty to protect it together. This strategy is not just an investment in infrastructure but a direct investment in our people, their health, and their future," Bajada stated. "The time to act is not tomorrow-it is now."