Commission presents Climate Resilience Framework for a better prepared and protected Europe

The European Commission today presented an EU Framework for Climate Resilience to strengthen Europe's ability to anticipate, prepare for, and manage climate risks. This summer, prolonged heatwaves and droughts fuelled dangerous wildfires and drove some of Europe's biggest rivers to historically low water levels. Likewise, we have seen devastating floods in the past years. This highlighted the serious consequences that climate change can have on citizens, businesses and infrastructure.

75% of the Europeans live in cities and urban areas. They are feeling firsthand the impacts of climate change. Building climate resilience is therefore a strategic investment in Europe's competitiveness, security, health and prosperity. The economic case for action is compelling. Estimated economic losses from climate damages from 2022-2025 stood at approximately €200 billion, or €50 billion per year.

Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe is warming at double the global rate. To become truly climate resilient, we need to adjust and learn along the way. Today, we are presenting a European approach to climate risks - to anticipate, to prepare for and to manage. We are ensuring that climate resilience will be included in policies across the continent, supporting investment, innovation and long-term growth.”

The Framework Communication proposes a systemic change: to embed climate resilience across all major policy areas, both domestic and international. It provides support to local and regional authorities to adapt through pilot projects and advisory services.