Climate adaptation gap arises when adaptation efforts fail to meet adaptation needs. This is a significant challenge in combating the impacts of climate change because, despite (more…)

With the increasing and intensifying impacts of global warming, such as extreme weather events, heat waves, storms and floods, the urgency of preparing for these challenges is clearer than ever. While progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the EU's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 continues, the accelerating impacts of global warming highlight the dual challenge of mitigation and adaptation. No region is immune to these impacts.

The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change has become a key driver for climate adaptation action. Its aim is to help European regions, local authorities and cities build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change. The Mission currently brings together 400 regional and local authorities across Europe, participating as signatories to the Mission Charter or by participating in innovative projects. As of April 2025, 326 regional and local authorities from 25 EU Member States had signed up to the Mission Charter.

The mission has three main objectives:

1. Provide general support European regions, local authorities and communities in preparing and planning for climate resilience.
2. Accelerate transformation for a climate-resilient future by supporting at least 150 European regions and local authorities in their efforts to build climate resilience.
3. Build deep resistance scaling up applicable solutions through 75 large-scale resilience demonstration projects, with an emphasis on cross-border cooperation.

Key achievements of the mission to date include supporting 145 regional and local authorities in accelerating their adaptation efforts through targeted technical assistance from the Mission Implementation Platform (MIP4Adapt). More than 200 regions and local authorities are actively testing and implementing adaptation solutions in demonstration sites with the support of mission projects.

MIP4Adapt plays a key role in supporting the mission by coordinates activities, provides direct support and technical assistance signatory to the Mission Charter and supports broader involvement through platforms such as the Mission Portal and the Community of Practice.

General support is available to all European regional and local authorities via Mission PortalThis portal offers a wide range of resources including adaptation tools, a project database, Regional Adaptation Support Instrument (RAST), Adaptation Dashboard and guides for climate risk assessment and stakeholder and citizen engagement. The portal also provides information on financing through a database of funding opportunities and a funding guide.

The mission also provides targeted technical assistance through MIP4Adapt, tailored to the individual circumstances of the Charter signatories. This assistance is provided in three types:

• Type 1: From risk assessment to adaptation plans.
• Type 2: Demonstration projects and funding.
• Type 3: Stakeholder and Citizen Engagement. Examples of successful use of this assistance include Warsaw (Type 3), Veneto Region (Types 1 and 3) and Goriška Region (Types 1, 2 and 3). It is expected that by December 2025, MIP4Adapt will have completed technical assistance to a total of 168 Charter signatories.

Solutions for European regions are being developed and tested in 46 mission-funded projects with a total budget of over €480 million and 204 related projects. Examples include the project CARDIMED, which accelerates adaptation through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), a project CLIMATEFIT, which addresses access to finance for adaptation, the project CLIMAX, which harmonises and consolidates climate risk assessment procedures, and the project Pathways2Resilience (P2R), which supports regions in designing and implementing transformative resilience strategies.

Community of Practice The EU Adaptation Mission, facilitated by MIP4Adapt, brings together European adaptation experts to exchange knowledge, collaborate and be informedMembers can share experiences, engage in discussions and contribute to best practice resources.

The mission continues to support, connect and empower those working to build climate resilience. Collective action, supported by adequate funding, will determine the resilience of our future. Adaptation cannot wait. Spring

Activity Report: April 2025

🏫 Climate change poses significant challenges for society, requiring extensive adaptation measures. The successful implementation of these measures depends on the availability of skilled (more…)

🌱 Publication entitled “Navigating Opportunity Spaces: A Practitioner’s Guide to Linking Climate Adaptation and Local Transformative Innovation Policy” is a document published by (more…)

Using “Imaginaries” to explore the future

The report uses a set of four imagined futures, called ‘imaginaries’, that the EEA and its Eionet (European Environment Information and Observation Network) network developed in 2022. These imaginaries provide contrasting images of what a sustainable Europe could look like in 2050, and serve as four distinct “lenses” through which to examine what sustainable production and consumption systems might emerge in the future. The four imaginaries are:

• Technocracy for the common good: Sustainability is achieved through state control at the national level that prioritizes the collective interests of society, using digital technologies for extensive monitoring and control.
• Unity in adversity: It focuses on solidarity and interregional support in the distribution of resources and the reduction of wealth disparities.
• The great decoupling: Innovative companies are key players in achieving technological breakthrough, especially in the bioeconomy, which allows decoupling GDP growth from adverse environmental impactsA sustainable yet consumer-oriented lifestyle depends on affordability of consumption, social and political stability, and trust in markets.
• Ecotopia: A profound social transformation has replaced profit maximization and consumerism with values of sufficiency, justice, and respect for nature. Nature has intrinsic value, and power is decentralized to local civic actors.

The report focuses on four key production and consumption systems: the food system, the mobility system, the built environment system and the energy system. Chapter 4 describes in detail what these systems could look like in 2050 within each of the imaginaries, in terms of production, consumption and provision of access to the system’s products and services. For example:

• Food system: In all imaginaries it is emphasized transition to sustainable protein sources (plant-based, cultured meat) as an important strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource use. Precision agriculture is also widespread.
• Mobility system: Plays an important role multimodality and public transport, often supplemented by digitalization and automated systems to optimize flows. Reducing the need for long-distance travel is also part of some imaginaries.
• Built environment system: In all imaginaries the emphasis is on redesign, repurposing and renovation of existing buildings to extend their lifespan, improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Development often integrates natural ecosystems.
• Energy system: In all imaginaries there is key development and use of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In some scenarios, strategic deployment of pure hydrogen is applied.

Resilience to future shocks

The report also examined how future shocks – probable extreme events, which could significantly change the political landscape – could affect a sustainable Europe in 2050. These upheavals served to stress testing imaginaries and identification of vulnerabilities. Examples of shocks considered include widespread failure of digital systems, the uninhabitability of large areas around the world, a global financial crisis, or a global public health crisis. Examining these impacts helped identify set of capacitiesthat would help society navigate systemic changes and build resilience.

Capacity areas for transformational change

Based on the analysis, the report identified areas of capacity needed to manage sustainable transformations and build resilience to shocks. These capacities fall into several thematic groups:

• Collaborative and anticipatory management: including multi-level governance and inclusive frameworks.
• Social engagement and creativity: involving citizens and organized civil society in decision-making processes.
• Connection with nature and empathy: including education focused on empathy and collective well-being.
• Spatial planning and multifunctional land use.
• AI and digitalization: safe and trustworthy deployment of AI for the public good.
• Preparedness for shocks: including financial reserve and resilient public care and education.

This report comes at a time when the EU is seeking to strengthen its competitiveness and ensure sustainable prosperity. It represents a current challenge to incorporating foresight (strategic anticipation) into decision-making processes and the development of policy responses that include systemic and long-term thinking. The work aims to to inspire, stimulate discussion and broaden understanding. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Agroecology: Agricultural practices integrated with natural ecosystems to support ecosystem services.
• Agrivoltaics: Using land for both food production and solar photovoltaic energy.
• Built environment: A system covering buildings, human settlements and related infrastructure.
• Cellular agriculture: The process of producing food of animal origin directly from animal cells.
• Circular economy: A system aimed at extending the life of products through reuse, renovation, repair and remanufacturing.
• Shared living: Living spaces designed for higher occupancy and support for shared living and care.
• Nuclear power systems: Local networks and communities that adapt to their energy needs and available resources.
• Future disruptions: Plausible extreme developments that could significantly change the political environment.
• Future literacy: The ability to understand why and how to "use the future."
• Imaginary: Believable and contrasting images of what a sustainable Europe could look like in 2050.
• Mobility system: A system covering the movement of people and goods, including infrastructure and behavior.
• Nature-inspired solutions: Solutions inspired and supported by nature that also provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
• Personalized nutrition: Diets and recommendations tailored to individual needs and preferences.
• Precision design (in agriculture): Adapting seeds to regional soil and climate conditions.
• Precision farming: Using technologies such as sensors and AI to optimize agricultural operations.
• Prosumption: Individuals or communities that both produce and consume energy.
• Regenerative land use: Practices that improve soil health, promote biodiversity, and increase carbon sequestration.
• Traditional ingredients: Raw materials obtained from natural sources.
• Secondary raw materials: Raw materials obtained from waste.
• Sufficiency: A value focused on reducing consumption and moving away from consumerism.
• Sustainable intensification: Increasing yields while minimizing environmental impacts.
• Food system: A system encompassing all elements and activities related to the production, processing, distribution and consumption of food.
• System dynamics: Properties of systems, such as nonlinear dynamics, feedback effects, entrapment, trade-offs, and load shifting, that lead to emergent interactions between systems.
• Transformational resistance: The capacity of systems in transformation to successfully cope with significant changes and move towards long-term goals despite (or even because of) systemic stresses, sudden shocks, or crises

Document "Learning from the Rural Toolkit", is a report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre from 2025. The report analyses the lessons learned from the creation of the online platform "Rural toolkit" (more…)

Temperatures are rising, threatening the world's growing urban population. Identifying hotspots and using all available data sources is key. The EU-funded CityCLIM project has developed a tool specifically to support city governments in finding the best options for mitigating and adapting to heat in cities. (More on cordis.europa.eu)

A message presents an overview of the activities of the Urban Environment and Mobility Working Group (Urban Environment and Mobility WG) of the Green Deal Projects Support Office (more…)

In the Political Guidelines for the European Commission 2024-2029, President Ursula von der Leyen announced a European Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ECAP) to support Member States in their preparedness and resilience planning. Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra took the lead on the ECAP and the policy package will be presented in the second half of 2026.

Climate resilience and preparedness have already received specific attention in several key EU policy documents, including the Competitiveness Compass, the Vision for Agriculture and the Communication on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

The Commission and the High Representative are today launching the Union's Preparedness Strategy to support Member States and strengthen Europe's ability to prevent and respond to new threats. (more…)

This manual is aimed at engaging stakeholders and citizens in climate change adaptation. It was developed by the EU Implementation Platform for Climate Change Adaptation (MIP4Adapt) for regional (more…)

Are you working on projects that support EU mission objectives in the areas of climate adaptation, health or the environment? The Horizon Europe Info Days - EU Missions event is your chance to explore new funding opportunities for 2025.

Join us online to learn more about the latest challenges under the Missions 2025 work program, which include:

• Adaptation to climate change
• Cancer
• 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
• Restore our oceans and waters by 2030
• Land Agreement for Europe

The event will provide key information on funding opportunities designed to accelerate progress towards the ambitious objectives of EU missions. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

Document is the second policy paper of the ACCTING project, which is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program. The ACCTING project addresses the impacts of Green Deal policies on (more…)

If you are looking for support to develop your region's climate resilience strategy or need advice on innovative financial mechanisms for adaptation, this is your opportunity to get involved. By completing the Expression of Interest survey as part of the EU-funded Pathways2Resilience project, you will be informed about the 2025 call for applicants and have a say in the design of a tailored support programme. Local or regional public authorities are invited to complete the survey by 18 April 2025, 18:00 CET.

The Commission is today taking action to maintain and expand European industrial capacities in the steel and metalworking sectors. Action plan for steel and metals is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the industry and secure the future of the industry.

The European steel industry is the backbone of the European economy, providing inputs for critical sectors such as the automotive industry, clean technology and defence. A strong steel and metalworking industry in Europe is essential for ensuring the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and for delivering on the " Europe's ReArm 2030 Plan/Preparation ". The sector is also at a critical turning point, threatened by high energy costs, unfair global competition and the need for investment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan comes at a time when market-distorting measures, such as non-market support for global overcapacity and unjustified EU steel and aluminium tariffs, could negatively impact our economy. (More on ec.europa.eu)

The LIFE 2025 calls for proposals are expected to be published on 24 April 2025. In 2021-2027, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation sub-programme will co-finance projects in the areas of urban adaptation and spatial planning, infrastructure resilience, sustainable water management in dryland and coastal areas, the agricultural sector, flood management and coastal areas. and/or support for the EU's outermost regions: preparedness for extreme weather events, in particular in coastal areas. ( More at climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

The Agro2Circular project, funded by the European Union, has published book A best practice guide to support the circular economy in the agri-food sector. This publication brings together lessons learned from ten innovative demonstration projects in recycling, food, cosmetics, packaging and digitalisation. The book provides guidance for stakeholders on how to upcycle agricultural and food waste and manage complex materials effectively. It aims to disseminate knowledge, foster innovation and help shape policies towards a more sustainable agri-food sector.

Leading international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Centre for Climate Services (C3S), have developed an extensive (more…)

REN+HOMES project, funded by the European Union, has launched innovations in the field of energy efficiency in buildings through a new tool – the Building Dynamic Energy Assessment Tool (BDEA). This advanced (more…)

At a time when the world faces ongoing environmental, social and economic challenges, there is a growing need for community initiatives that move towards a sustainable future. The document "The Essential Guide to Doing Transition” (The Essential Guide to Making the Transition) offers a comprehensive guide for communities who want to collectively rethink and restore our planet through the creation of a healthy human culture.

This guide is designed for communities looking to effectively and quickly implement the transition process in their communities. Transition is a movement that has been actively working to address major challenges at the local level since 2005. Its mission is to foster a culture of care that connects people to themselves, their environment, and nature. The goal is to rebuild the economy, support entrepreneurship, change the way we think about work, develop skills, and create networks of support. With more than 50 countries and thousands of groups around the world, the Transition movement is growing in popularity and influence.

Why get involved in the transition?

People choose to join the transition movement for a variety of reasons. The most common include a desire to get to know their neighbors, strive for positive change in the world, overcome a sense of community disconnect, catalyze new projects and investment opportunities, learn new skills, and create a better story for their place. Transition offers a platform to engage in processes that shape a more sustainable and socially just future.

Transition principles

The key principles of the transition are:

– Respecting resource limits and building resilience.

– Promoting inclusiveness and social justice.

– Applying subsidiarity, i.e. decision-making at the most appropriate level.

– Balance between activity and rest, which ensures the sustainability of the efforts.

– Participation in an experimental, learning network for continuous improvement.

– Sharing ideas and powers, which supports collective solutions.

– Cooperation and finding synergies between different initiatives.

– Promoting positive vision and creativity for innovative approaches.

Head, heart and hands

Successfully implementing a transition requires a balance between rational thinking (the head), emotional intelligence (the heart), and practical action (the hands). This triple symbiosis enables communities to effectively plan, motivate, and implement change.

7 essential components of a successful transition

1. Healthy groups: Learn to collaborate effectively, build trust, and resolve conflicts.

2. Vision: Together, imagine the future you want to co-create.

3. Connection: Actively involve the wider community in the transition process.

4. Networks and partnerships: Collaborate with other groups and organizations to achieve greater impact.

5. Practical projects: Implement concrete initiatives that demonstrate the transition in practice.

6. Be part of a movement: Connect with a global network of people sharing similar goals.

7. Reflection and Celebration: Regularly assess progress and celebrate achievements.

Implementation and consolidation

Starting the transition requires the creation of an initiative group with the necessary skills and a clear focus on the geographical area. Establishing contacts with other groups and organizations is key to building networks and partnerships. Consolidating the process involves moving from an initiative group to an established transition commune, creating thematic groups and supporting projects that meet legal requirements and sustainability.

"The Essential Guide to Doing Transition" emphasizes that a successful transition is not just about creating world-changing projects, but also about building a culture that reflects the vision of the future we want to achieve. Through collaboration, creativity, and commitment, communities around the world can create a sustainable and equitable environment for future generations. Spring