This document is the third update of the EU Climate Change Adaptation Barometer, which assesses progress towards the mission's objectives as of 30 September 2024.

Key points of the report:

• Mission objectives The mission aims to provide general support to European regions, local authorities and communities (RLACs) in climate resilience preparation and planning, support the transformation of RLACs towards a climate resilient future and large-scale demonstrations of resilience solutions.
• Methodology The Barometer uses 13 indicators to measure progress towards the three mission objectives and cross-cutting themes. It does not include outcome indicators due to the challenges of measuring the impacts of adaptation measures.
• General support for RLAC (Objective 1) There is an increase in RLAC participation in events organized by the MIP4Adapt platform. The role of the mission portal as a central source of information for RLACs has been strengthened. Survey respondents perceive the availability and impact of support positively.
• Transforming to a climate resilient future (Goal 2) Technical assistance is being provided to a growing number of RLACs. Technical assistance enables RLACs to advance their climate change adaptation planning. All Charter signatories that have received full technical assistance from MIP4Adapt report that it has helped them accelerate their transformation to a climate resilient future.
• Scaling up action solutions (Objective 3) Climate resilience measures are being demonstrated in 195 RLACs through 24 projects funded by Horizon Europe. Cross-border cooperation is a hallmark of these projects.
• Cross-cutting activities Stakeholder support and citizen engagement continues to be encouraged. The Community of Practice continues to develop to meet the needs of Charter signatories. RLAC continues to support climate change adaptation funding.
• Indicator 1.1: Increasing general support for European RLACs in climate resilience preparation and planning Average attendance at RLAC events increased from 25 to 35 people. Downloads of tools and guidance from the mission portal decreased, but unique visits to the adaptation stories, tool database, and funding opportunities database increased. The monthly average of unique visits to the mission portal increased to 9,164.
• Indicator 1.2: Perception of the level of general support for European RLACs in preparing and planning for climate resilience 88 % survey respondents gave a rating of 3 or higher on a five-point scale, indicating that the level of general support provided by the mission is considered good.
• Indicator 1.3: Perception of the impact of general support for European RLACs in climate resilience preparation and planning 70 % survey respondents reported a rating of 3 or higher on a five-point scale, indicating that the general support provided by the mission has a positive impact on the RLAC's ability to prepare for and plan for climate resilience.
• Indicator 2.1: Number of European RLACs receiving technical assistance for climate change adaptation planning A total of 143 RLACs have been or are being supported by the mission to accelerate their adaptation efforts. MIP4Adapt has held 34 kick-off meetings with Charter signatories.
• Indicator 2.2: Progress in climate change adaptation planning by European RLACs supported by the EU Climate Change Adaptation Mission Nine of the 20 Charter signatories to whom MIP4Adapt provided technical assistance moved from not having started prioritizing adaptation measures to having completed their selection. Fourteen have advanced in developing their adaptation strategy or implementation plans, with most completed and one at a high level.
• Indicator 2.3: Perceptions of European RLACs regarding the extent to which technical assistance has accelerated their transformation to a climate-resilient future All three RLACs, which completed their planned technical assistance by September 30, 2024, reported that MIP4Adapt technical assistance helped them accelerate their transformation to a climate-resilient future.
• Indicator 3.1: Number of European RLACs demonstrating measures to increase climate resilience As of September 30, there were 195 RLACs testing and implementing adaptation solutions with 24 projects funded by the mission.
• Indicator 3.2: Number of RLACs involved in cross-border demonstration projects to increase climate resilience The 24 cross-border demonstration projects funded by the mission involve an average of nine RLACs, spread across an average of nine Member States.
• Indicator 4.1: European RLACs’ perceptions of progress in involving stakeholders and citizens in climate change adaptation planning 61 % respondents provided a medium to high rating (3 or more) regarding progress in engaging stakeholders and citizens in climate change adaptation planning.
• Indicator 4.2: Extent of participation in the EU adaptation community of practice The online community of practice was moved from the CIRCABC platform to the Futurium platform in April 2024.
• Indicator 4.3: Perceptions of European RLACs regarding the extent to which knowledge transfer through engagement in a community of practice has accelerated their transformation to a climate-resilient future 58 % survey respondents reported a medium to high rating (3 or more), indicating that knowledge transfer through their involvement in a community of practice accelerates their transformation to climate resilience.
• Indicator 4.4: Perceptions of European RLACs regarding the extent to which improved knowledge about climate adaptation financing has accelerated their transformation to a climate-resilient future The majority of Charter signatories (69 %) who responded to the survey expressed positive views on how their improved knowledge of climate adaptation financing accelerated their transformation to a climate-resilient future (rating 3 or above).
• Indicator 4.5: Progress of European RLACs in securing climate change adaptation finance supported by the EU Climate Change Adaptation Mission As of September 30, 2024, 73 Charter signatories had requested technical assistance from MIP4Adapt in selecting viable demonstration projects and preparing funding applications.
• Future outlook The next update of the barometer (deadline: 31 March 2025) is expected to bring further progress across all indicators, particularly in relation to technical assistance, as more RLACs will move forward with this support.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• RLAC (Regions, Local Authorities and Communities): Regions, local governments and communities; the basic units to which the EU Mission on Climate Change Adaptation is addressed.
• MIP4Adapt: Project (Mission Implementation Platform for Adaptation to Climate Change), which supports the implementation of the Mission.
• Horizon Europe: The European Union's research and innovation programme, which funds climate adaptation projects.
• RIA (Research and Innovation Actions): Research and innovation actions funded by Horizon Europe that aim to create new knowledge.
• IA (Innovation Actions): Innovation actions funded by Horizon Europe that aim to bring new or improved products, processes or services to the market.
• CSA (Coordination and Support Action): Coordination and support actions funded by Horizon Europe.
• RAST (Regional Adaptation Support Tool): A European Environment Agency (EEA) tool to support adaptation at the regional level, consisting of six steps.
• Charter Signatories: Entities (regions, cities and other organizations) that have committed to the Mission's goals and signed the Mission Charter.
• Community of Practice: Online platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among Mission participants.
• Cross-cutting Themes: Cross-cutting themes that relate to all three Mission objectives, such as stakeholder engagement and adaptation financing.
• Demonstration Projects: Projects that demonstrate the application of innovative climate adaptation solutions in real-world conditions.
• Technical Assistance: Support specifically tailored to the needs and context of individual RLACs in relation to climate adaptation planning.