Photo taken on Aug. 13, 2022 shows a view of the lawn in Parliament Square in London, Britain. (Photo: Xinhua)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a video message at the UN Water Conference on Wednesday, said that Europe is facing its worst drought in 500 years.

"With climate pressures intensifying, access to fresh water becomes an increasing challenge. On the path we are on, half of the world's population will suffer from acute water stress by 2030," she added.