European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new strategy to be published in October to boost Europe's climate resilience after record heatwaves. The plan will identify the 100 most vulnerable areas and set out risk-management responsibilities from EU to local levels. The Commission will also propose a European heatwave plan, expand insurance coverage for climate losses, and launch a water initiative to secure supplies and tackle network leaks.
EU To Unveil October Strategy To Fortify Europe Against Escalating Climate Threats
FILE PHOTO - A tractor pulls a harrow across a field, kicking up a cloud of dust. (is associated with: «EU's von der Leyen aims to better equip Europe for climate crisis») Jens Büttner/dpa
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg that the Commission will present a new strategy in October to strengthen Europe's preparedness for the intensifying impacts of climate change after a succession of record heatwaves.
“These were the hottest summer months ever, but probably the coolest of the years to come,” von der Leyen said, warning that hotter, more extreme seasons are likely ahead.
What the October Strategy Will Do
The strategy will identify the 100 areas in Europe deemed most at risk from climate-related hazards and set out how risks should be assessed and managed across all levels of government. Von der Leyen said the approach will be society-wide, reaching from EU institutions down to local authorities and communities.
Key Measures Announced
- Heatwave Plan: A European heatwave plan will be proposed, including improved early-warning systems, strengthened emergency preparedness in the health sector, and targeted measures to adapt and cool cities.
- Insurance Improvements: The Commission will promote better insurance coverage to help citizens and businesses recover from climate-related losses and disasters.
- Water Initiative: A European water initiative will be launched to secure reliable, long-term supplies of water and food and to reduce infrastructure losses from leaks and poor management.
Von der Leyen highlighted the human toll of recent extremes: more than 35,000 additional deaths have been linked to this year’s heatwaves. She also stressed infrastructure concerns, noting that Europe’s water networks currently lose nearly one in every four litres—mostly to leaks—which threatens crops, livestock and harvests.
The October package is framed as a proactive effort to convert the wake-up call of this summer’s record temperatures into concrete policies that reduce vulnerability, strengthen preparedness and protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across Europe.
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