During the latest plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), local and regional leaders and representatives gathered to discuss the increasing impact of extreme weather events across Europe, driven by the escalating climate crisis. The debate highlighted the urgent need for more robust and streamlined EU support to enhance regional resilience and preparedness.
Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Region, underscored the importance of local and regional action in mitigating the impacts of climate change but called for more effective mechanisms to secure timely EU support for regional projects. “Strong cooperation between the EU, national, and local/regional levels is a prerequisite for improving our resilience in the face of extreme weather events,” he stated.
Radim Sršen, Mayor of the Municipality of Dolní Studénky, emphasized the key role of local and regional governments in crisis management, highlighting the crucial function of mayors during emergencies. He called for European solidarity and stressed that “funds and simple delivery mechanisms are crucial for quick recovery.” Sršen also warned against using long-term EU cohesion policy funds for immediate crisis management, urging for a separate funding mechanism.
Expressing solidarity with regions devastated by recent floods, Adrian Zittelli Ferrari Director-General for European Union Affairs for the Region of Murcia reminded the plenary that climate change is affecting all parts of Europe. He drew attention to the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA), which shows that southern regions are disproportionately exposed to climate pressures. Zitelli Ferrari advocated for a stronger focus on risk prevention and adaptation within the EU’s upcoming policy programming for 2028-2034. “We must strengthen Cohesion Policy and increase EU financial support for adaptation. The Region of Murcia stands ready to contribute to the European Climate Adaptation Plan and the Water Resilience Strategy,” he declared.
Costas Agorastos, Regional Governor of Thessaly, pointed out that the severity of recent climate events is overwhelming existing infrastructure. He called for a concerted effort to build resilience both before and after these crises, asserting that “our sustainability lies in our willingness to help our regions build better.”
Frank Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole, pointed out the critical funding gap at the national level for managing flood risks. He urged for decisive EU action, calling for “a dedicated and autonomous budget to effectively combat these risks and ensure pragmatic solutions.”
CoR Vice-President Markku Markkula emphasized the European Environment Agency’s data based on climate risk assessments. The urgency to accelerate action is real. Mitigation and adaptation efforts need to be more integrated. In my city, Espoo, the Green Chemistry Park is under construction – a private investment aimed at creating an innovation platform for international chemical companies, startups, and researchers. The goal is clear: to generate urgently needed global solutions."
The debate highlighted the pressing need for improved coordination, increased EU financial support, and enhanced regional efforts to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis.