In the run up to World Water Day (22 March 2007), over 60 civil society and
labour organisations from Europe and around the world published a statement commenting on the policies of the European Commission regarding water and sanitation in developing countries.

The statement was also published in the European Voice newspaper, as an
advert paid for by contributions from the endorsing organisations.

The advert has been supported by a large group of civil society and labour organisations including: 11.11.11, ActionAid International; Bread for
the World; Corporate Europe Observatory; European Federation of
Public Service Unions; Focus on the Global South; France Libertés
Fondation Danielle Mitterrand; Friends of the Earth Europe; PROTOS;
Public Services International; Transnational Institute; UNISON; WaterAid; and the World Development Movement.

The statement demands of the European Commission that it:

While the advert expresses criticism of some of the policies adopted by the Commission, we also seek to put forward constructive actions that the Commission could take to tackle the global water crisis, including increasing the overall levels of aid and supporting public-public partnerships in the water sector.

The following websites provide further information about these issues:

Bread for the World
Corporate Europe Observatory
European Federation of Public Service Unions
Friends of the Earth International
Public Services international
Transnational Institute
WaterAid
Water Justice resource centre
World Development Movement