European Week of Regions and Cities: Event on “Building a Climate Resilient Europe: Lessons from Frontline Communities”
Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 16:30 – 18:00
European Committee of the Regions, Room JDE 70
The MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development is pleased to organise a policy debate on “Building a Climate Resilient Europe: Lessons from Frontline Communities”, in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities. Hosted at the European Committee of the Regions – Room JDE 70, from 16:30 to 18:00 CET, the event will bring together policymakers, experts, and regional stakeholders to explore how local and frontline experiences can inform and strengthen EU-wide strategies for climate resilience.
Pre-register here before public registration opens on 15 July 2025 to secure your attendance.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent and is experiencing increasingly severe climate impacts. According to Copernicus, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with extreme weather events continuing into 2025. These events are causing serious human, economic, and environmental damage. Between 1980 and 2022, climate-related damages cost Europe €650 billion, with future losses projected to rise drastically, especially from heatwaves and coastal flooding.
Despite some progress, Europe remains underprepared for climate risks. Adaptation measures are not being implemented at the scale or speed needed. Societal and policy responses are lagging, and coordinated action at all levels of government is urgently required. Local leadership and knowledge are crucial, as top-down adaptation strategies often miss local needs and may lead to ineffective or maladaptive outcomes.
The EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change emphasizes the importance of local adaptation efforts and international cooperation. Europe can learn from global communities that have long dealt with climate impacts. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) also supports stronger local and regional implementation and has partnered with UNEP to enhance cooperation on climate resilience.
To support this, this event will showcase locally led adaptation strategies from global frontline communities, fostering dialogue and learning to strengthen Europe’s climate resilience through local and regional leadership
Draft agenda
16:30 – 16:35: Welcome and introduction by Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) – Secretariat of the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’
16:35 – 16:50: Presentation by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED Europe) (speaker name tbc)
16:50 – 17:00: Intervention by MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (tbc)
17:00 – 17:10: Intervention by Elina Bardram, Director for ‘Climate Resilience And Information Management’ (Dir. E), DG CLIMA, European Commission
17:10 – 17:20: Intervention by a representative from the Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo (Bulgaria), Member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Member of the Covenant of Mayors Political Board (tbc)
17:20 – 17:50: Q&A session with the audience
17:50 – 18:00: Closing remarks by speakers & moderator
