18/06/2026.- The NMWE Annual Meetings 2026 took place in Ljubljana, bringing together members, speakers, sponsors and partners from across Europe for three days of discussions, exchanges and networking.
The meetings provided an opportunity to reflect on key topics shaping the natural mineral and spring water sector, including water stewardship, sustainability, circular packaging systems, communications preparedness, and relevant EU policy developments.
Across the different sessions, participants exchanged views on the sector’s role in protecting natural resources, supporting sustainable production systems, and contributing to a more circular economy.
Exchanges across key sector priorities
Discussions covered a wide range of topics relevant to the sector’s work and long-term priorities. These included the protection and sustainable management of water resources, the sector’s contribution to biodiversity and nature protection, and ongoing developments in packaging and circular economy policy.
Members also exchanged on Deposit Return Systems, highlighting different national experiences and the role these systems can play in supporting high-quality collection and recycling of beverage packaging.
Sharing knowledge and strengthening collaboration
The Annual Meetings once again highlighted the value of peer-to-peer exchange within the NMWE community. Members and experts shared practical insights, technical perspectives and experiences from different national contexts, contributing to a constructive and solutions-oriented dialogue.
The programme also included discussions on communication preparedness and response, as well as broader reflections on the implementation of EU policies relevant to the sector.
NMWE would like to thank all members, speakers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the Annual Meetings 2026.
Special thanks are extended to the Slovenian Beverages Association (Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije) for their support and hospitality in Ljubljana.
The Annual Meetings remain an important moment for NMWE members to come together, exchange perspectives and align on shared priorities. NMWE looks forward to continuing the work initiated during these discussions and to further strengthening collaboration in the months ahead.