In yesterday’s edition of Glas Slavonije, an extensive article by Dario Majetić, titled “The Era of Global Water Scarcity Has Begun: Geopolitical Power and Influence Will Depend on Access to Water Resources,” was published, addressing the increasingly prominent global issue of access to drinking water.

The article highlights how climate change, population growth, and long-term unsustainable water resource management are leading to increasing water stress in many parts of the world. In certain regions, a significant decline in precipitation has been recorded, along with greater unpredictability, further complicating water management and increasing the risk of shortages. At the same time, water consumption is rising faster than its natural replenishment capacity.

Under such circumstances, water is increasingly becoming a strategic resource that directly affects economic stability, security, and international relations. The article points out that access to water is already shaping development policies, migration flows, and the resilience of key sectors such as agriculture and energy.

In the section referring to Croatia, the author cites Mario Šiljeg, Director of Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute, referencing his statement from the period of the water utility sector reform, which is now in its final phase. In that statement, Šiljeg warned that a system with a large number of water service providers was not sustainable in the long term and emphasized the need for its functional consolidation and modernization, along with reducing water losses and improving efficiency, as well as the importance of reliable data and continuous monitoring for informed decision-making.

These views are presented in the article as part of a broader discussion on the challenges and future directions of the water sector.

Read more at the following link.