From 22 to 26 September 2025, European researchers, water managers, farmers, local authorities representatives gathered in Toulouse for the General Assembly of the Horizon Europe projects SpongeScapes and SpongeWorks. This joint event highlighted Europe’s role as a living laboratory for developing and testing “sponge measures” – nature-based solutions that help landscapes absorb, store, and slowly release water to reduce floods, ease droughts, and boost biodiversity.