From 28 to 31 October 2025, the Metropolitan City of Milan hosted the third General Assembly of the AWARD project at the Palazzo Isimbardi. Partners from across Europe gathered to take stock of the progress achieved so far and to outline the next steps toward more resilient and circular water management in European territories.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm a shared ambition: to make alternative water resources—such as treated wastewater, rainwater, or greywater—central to tomorrow’s water strategies. These innovative approaches are designed to reduce pressure on natural reserves, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and strengthen the social and environmental resilience of local communities.
Hosted by the Città Metropolitana di Milano, alongside partners IRIDRA and Gruppo CAP, the event reflected how local institutions and research organisations can collaborate to turn scientific knowledge into tangible urban and territorial solutions. The exchanges in Milan emphasised the importance of connecting technical innovation, citizen engagement, and policy action to ensure the long-term success and replicability of AWARD’s results.
A highlight of the Assembly was the field visit to Milan’s demonstration sites, including projects such as SPUGNA and LIFE Metro Adapt, which showcase practical applications of nature-based and circular water reuse systems. Participants discovered how these pilot initiatives contribute to urban cooling, groundwater recharge, and a more conscious relationship with water in the metropolitan area.
Beyond the technical achievements, this gathering strengthened the European partnership’s collaborative spirit—linking experiences from Bucharest, Milan, Santiago de Compostela, and Paralimni–Ayia Napa. Together, the partners are building a shared pathway towards innovation, sustainability, and local empowerment, ensuring that every drop counts in shaping a greener future.