Raquel Pastor Carretero, the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL)
The European Commission has presented a new framework to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for climate risks. Its proposals on planning, institutional responsibilities and access to climate information address issues that REHUBS is examining through its work on climate adaptation in rural territories.
On 27 October 2026, the European Commission presented the EU Framework for Climate Resilience, setting out measures to improve Europe’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for and manage climate risks. The initiative comes as REHUBS continues its work on climate adaptation in rural areas, examining territorial challenges and developing approaches suited to different local conditions.
The project involves four Demo Cases in Greece (Thessaly), Portugal (Beira Baixa), Lithuania and Spain (Manlleu–Osona), alongside three Replication Labs in Croatia (Međimurje), Slovenia (Pomurje) and Cyprus. Together, these territories provide different contexts in which to examine adaptation needs, governance arrangements and opportunities for cooperation and learning.
What does the new EU Framework for Climate Resilience propose?
The Commission’s initiative comes amid increasing exposure to extreme weather events, including droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and floods. According to the Commission, climate-related damage resulted in estimated economic losses of €200 billion between 2022 and 2025. Adapting Europe’s infrastructure and economy to future climate conditions is also expected to require around €70 billion in annual investment.
The Framework includes a Communication, a legislative proposal and practical resources to support adaptation. Its main elements are:
- A common reference for climate risk assessments. The proposed European Climate Resilience Law introduces a global warming reference trajectory reaching 3°C by the end of the century, intended to inform risk assessments and planning decisions.
- Clearer allocation of responsibilities. The initiative calls for the identification of policy risk owners across different policy areas and levels of governance.
- More integrated national planning. The legislative proposal envisages a single national strategic plan for each Member State, together with more regular assessments of climate risks.
- Information and support tools. The European Climate Viewer, the Navigator of Climate Resilience Tools and the Mission Solutions Explorer aim to improve access to climate projections, practical resources and adaptation solutions.
The Commission has also announced further initiatives, including a European Heatwave Plan and a Climate Insurance Alliance. The proposed European Climate Resilience Law remains subject to the EU legislative process and has not yet been adopted.
Climate adaptation in rural territories
Climate risks affect rural territories in different ways. Droughts, floods, heatwaves and wildfires can have consequences for agriculture, forestry, water resources, infrastructure and local communities. Their impacts may also extend beyond municipal or regional boundaries, involving several authorities and sectors.
Planning and implementing adaptation measures requires an understanding of local conditions, institutional responsibilities and available resources. Coordination between public authorities and other stakeholders is particularly important where climate risks affect several territories or policy areas.
The new EU Framework places greater emphasis on incorporating climate resilience into public policies and planning. For rural territories, this raises questions about how European priorities can be translated into decisions that reflect local risks, territorial characteristics and institutional capacities.
How does the new Framework relate to REHUBS?
The priorities set out in the Framework relate to several areas of work within REHUBS. Across its Demo Cases and Replication Labs, the project examines climate adaptation challenges and works with local and regional stakeholders to develop and exchange knowledge and approaches suited to different rural contexts.
The Framework’s emphasis on climate risk assessments and access to information relates to the project’s work on territorial vulnerabilities and the use of knowledge in adaptation planning. Its attention to planning and institutional responsibilities is also relevant to the analysis of governance structures and regulatory frameworks undertaken by AEIDL in collaboration with project partners.
This analysis examines how responsibilities are distributed, how institutions and stakeholders coordinate their activities, and what resources are available to support adaptation. Preliminary observations have identified issues for further examination, including coordination, financing, the use of climate information and stakeholder participation. The analysis is ongoing, and these observations will be assessed in relation to the different territorial contexts.
The experience gained through the Demo Cases and Replication Labs will inform the development of the REHUBS Policy Roadmap, drawing on the project’s research and territorial work to formulate recommendations for climate adaptation and resilience in rural areas.
Further information
- European Commission – Press release on the EU Framework for Climate Resilience
- European Commission – Questions and answers on the Framework
- European Commission – EU Framework for Climate Resilience