The European Commission on Tuesday presented a framework to strengthen the EU’s ability to anticipate, prepare for and manage climate risks, citing rising economic losses and the impact of extreme weather events.
The Commission said estimated economic losses from climate-related damage between 2022 and 2025 reached approximately €200 billion, or around €50 billion annually.
“Europe is warming at twice the global average rate,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, adding that climate resilience must be integrated into policies across the continent to support investment, innovation and long-term growth.
The framework proposes integrating climate resilience into key areas of domestic and international policy, while supporting local and regional authorities through pilot projects and advisory services.
The Commission said adapting Europe’s infrastructure and economy to future climate conditions is expected to require investment of around €70 billion per year.
It added that investments in climate change adaptation could generate benefits exceeding the initial investment by more than tenfold, through avoided losses and damage.
According to the Commission, the global market for climate adaptation solutions is projected to reach €3.5 trillion by 2050, creating opportunities for European businesses developing technologies to strengthen climate resilience.
Alongside the framework, the Commission proposed a Climate Resilience Law aimed at establishing a common reference trajectory for global warming and simplifying national planning requirements through a single strategic plan for each member state.
The Commission said implementation of the framework would begin immediately. It is also developing a European Heatwave Plan, a Climate Insurance Alliance and a European water initiative, alongside measures to strengthen disaster preparedness.
The Commission plans to propose an EU Strategic Plan for Climate Resilience in 2028.
