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

The Mission Adaptation Public Portfolio is now live and provides an interactive dashboard to explore projects, participants, and key characteristics funded by the Mission and relevant to the Mission.

What's inside?

• Mission projects and participants – review key stakeholders and project details.
• Project characteristics – filtering by hazards, GROWTH steps and adaptation methods.

This tool provides valuable information and transparency, helping regions and stakeholders identify synergies, track progress and explore adaptation solutions between mission-funded and mission-relevant projects.

Browse the dashboard here

A document titled "How to build and finance a better EU green industrial policy" by Sander Tordoir and Elisabetta Cornago from February 2025 looks at the challenges and opportunities for the industry (more…)

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. (more…)

The European Commission has launched a consultation to shape the EU's future long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework), setting out funding priorities across Europe from 2028. This is a key opportunity to ensure that climate change adaptation remains at the heart of future EU investments.

A modern EU budget should be simpler, more efficient and better focused on addressing pressing challenges, including climate resilience. The Commission's proposals include:

• National and regional investment plans designed in cooperation with local authorities
• European Competitiveness Fund to support strategic sectors and technologies
• Better targeting of external action funding in line with EU priorities
• Stronger guarantees for the rule of law

The Commission is calling on all stakeholders to contribute, with a public consultation open until 6 May 2025 at noon. A European Citizens' Panel will also bring together 150 Europeans to discuss and propose recommendations.

Make your voice heard and help shape future EU funding for climate change adaptation. Participate in the public consultation here .

Cities around the world are increasingly relying on trees as a tool for cooling and adapting to climate change. Tree canopy cover is a common metric used in planning and investing in green spaces. (more…)

Publication “Youth on the Move for Climate Action!” is a compilation of youth initiatives in agriculture that address the impacts of climate change. It was created by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome in 2019. (more…)

The Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Unit of DG CLIMA is planning to recruit two contract agents to support the unit's work on the European Climate Change Adaptation Plan as a policy or legal expert.

The deadline for submitting applications for each of these positions is 28 February 2025 at 12:00 Brussels time.

For more details, please visit:

Political Officer | Career in the EU

Lawyer | Career in the EU 

A message The European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and Land Use (ETC CA) provides an overview of adaptation policies in the member and cooperating countries of the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report focuses on characteristics and conditions of adaptation policies, legislation, monitoring, evaluation and learning from a European perspective.

Key points of the report:

• National adaptation strategies and plans: Most countries have National Adaptation Strategies (NAS) in place, which serve as frameworks for coordinating adaptation activities. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are used to translate NASs into concrete actions. Some countries also have Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs).
• Legal regulations for adaptation: Many countries have legislation for adaptation, with 18 of them have dedicated national climate lawsGermany has a separate adaptation law. The legislation varies in scope and detail, with some countries having obligations only at the national level, while others also at the sub-national level.
• Climate risk assessments: Climate risk assessments (CRAs) are increasingly important for informing adaptation policies. 21 countries have completed extensive assessments and 14 countries have legal mandates to implement them. Regular updates of CRAs are not common and integration of CRAs with monitoring, evaluation and learning systems is limited.
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning: Many countries have implemented aspects of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) processes, but challenges remain in linking and using them. Measurable adaptation targets are lacking, which complicates the evaluation of MEL. Most countries use process indicators, but outcome-based indicators are lacking.
• Horizontal and vertical integration: Horizontal coordination between sectors is more common than vertical coordination between different levels of government. Some countries have legal mandates for coordination bodies in place.
• Mandatory requirements: There is an increasing trend in Europe towards mandatory adaptation requirements, with more and more countries are adopting legislation to strengthen planning and implementation of adaptation efforts.
• Scientific knowledge and data: The report highlights the importance of using scientific knowledge, analysis and assessments in developing adaptation policies. Regular updates of the CRA are essential to take into account changes in risks and vulnerabilities.
• Challenges and limitations: The report identifies challenges in integrating MEL, linking across governance levels and measuring the results of adaptation measures. It also highlights inconsistencies in terminology and the need to improve data collection at the subnational level. The report has limitations in terms of the availability of some public documents and differences in the depth of information across countries.

Conclusions and the way forward:

• Adaptation policies in many European countries are being significantly updated and developed.
• The emphasis is on introducing measurable targets for adaptation and improving monitoring and evaluation.
• International cooperation and sharing of experience are key to effectively addressing cross-border risks.
• A better one is needed coordination between different levels of public administration and harmonisation of policies.
• Promoting knowledge sharing, capacity building and investment in adaptation measures are key to successful policy implementation.

The report provides a valuable overview of adaptation policies in Europe, highlighting progress made but also remaining challenges. It serves as a basis for further developing adaptation policies and strengthening climate resilience. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Adaptation: Adapting to the actual or expected impacts of climate change.
• CRA (Climate Risk Assessment): Climate risk assessment. A systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks related to climate change.
• Horizontal integration: Cooperation and coordination between different sectors within one level of government (e.g. cooperation between ministries at the national level).
• MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning): Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. A system for tracking progress in adaptation, evaluating the effectiveness of policies and learning.
• NAP (National Adaptation Plan): National Adaptation Plan. An action plan that specifies how a national adaptation strategy is to be implemented.
• NAS (National Adaptation Strategy): National Adaptation Strategy. A policy document that outlines a country's long-term vision and strategic approach to adaptation.
• Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP): A plan aimed at adapting to climate change in a specific economic sector.
• Vertical integration: Cooperation and coordination between different levels of government (e.g. cooperation between national, regional and local levels).

Following the European Court of Auditors' report of 2021 and 2021, also in collaboration with FOREST EUROPE, a new set of 8 case studies and 3 adaptation options in the forestry sector have been published on Climate-ADAPT.

Sample case studies:

• Afforestation initiatives in large areas affected by drought and pests in Germany (decision support for forest owners in Hesse; large-scale forest restoration in North Rhine-Westphalia)

(More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

The Strategic Advisory Board will help the European Commission to further design Destination Earth (DestinE) as one of the EU's flagship initiatives responding to the twin challenges of the green and digital transformations. Two high-precision digital twins of the Earth are to be developed to monitor and simulate natural and human activities and to develop and test scenarios that would enable more sustainable development and support European green transition policies. Adaptation plays a key role in this, as one of the digital twins will be dedicated to climate change adaptation. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

After three years of the EU Climate Change Adaptation Mission, a comprehensive survey has gathered feedback from Charter signatories and key stakeholders to assess its progress and impact. The survey highlights the mission's essential role in equipping regions and local authorities with tools and support to build climate resilience, while identifying opportunities for improvement to enhance its accessibility and effectiveness.

Key findings highlight the importance of collaboration, targeted support and user-friendly resources in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. With the upcoming Mission Forum in Wroclaw, Poland, offering a platform to showcase local actions and strengthen engagement across Europe, the survey revealed significant interest from respondents in presenting at this forum. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

Climate change mitigation focuses on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main cause of global warming. The aim is to slow down or stop the process of climate change and reduce its negative impacts.

Examples of mitigation measures:

• Increasing the use of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydropower)
• Increasing energy efficiency buildings, transport and industry
• Reducing deforestation and promoting afforestation
• Development and deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies

Adaptation to climate change focuses on adaptation to ongoing and expected climate changeThe goal is reduce vulnerability against the negative impacts of climate change and to take advantage of any opportunities.

Examples of adaptation measures:

• Construction of flood barriers and coastal protection against rising sea levels
• Implementation of early warning systems for extreme weather events
• Growing more resilient crops and implementing adaptation strategies in agriculture
• Infrastructure adaptation (e.g. bridges, roads, buildings) changed climate conditions
• Improving water resources management systems

It is important to emphasize that Mitigation and adaptation are complementary strategieswhich is necessary implement together. Mitigation of climate change will reduce the magnitude of future changes and thus reduce the need for adaptation. However, adaptation is essential to address the already existing and unavoidable impacts of climate change.

The publication “Data for Climate Action” highlights the role of national statistical offices (NSOs) in both of these areas. NSOs can provide data and analysis to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. They can also provide information on vulnerability to climate change and the effectiveness of adaptation measures. Spring