In 2007 the Commission adopted a Communication on water scarcity and droughts1. The Communication identified seven policy initiatives that had to be addressed if Europe was to move towards a water-efficient and water-saving economy. In October 20072 the Council supported the options identified in the Communication and invited the Commission to review and further develop the evolving strategy for water scarcity and droughts by 2012. In October 2008 the European Parliament adopted a report on the Communication and supported the proposed first set of policy options for action. Parliament's Resolution underlines that urgent action is needed - particularly to promote water savings, exchanges of good practice, awareness raising campaigns, putting the right price tag on water - and more funds are needed to support these actions.