A new EU framework brings climate resilience to the heart of decision-making

The European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework aims to establish a more integrated approach to anticipating, preventing and managing climate risks across Europe. Climate risks should now be systematically taken into account atevery stage of decision-making, ensuringthat Europe’s policies, investments and planning choices are fit for a climate-resilient future.

The framework strengthens climate risk assessments at European and national levels. A key element is the introduction of a common EU climate reference scenario based on a global warming trajectory of 3°C by 2100. This shared reference will be used for climate risk assessments at EU and national levels. The framework also calls for clearer responsibilities for major risks, climate resilience plans and improved monitoring, tools and financing.

Led by the European Commission, the framework embeds the ‘climate resilience by design’ principle at all levels. This will serve as a guiding principle across the European Union and promote proactive and anticipatory action at European, national, regional and local levels. It also takes a cross-sectoral approach, recognising that climate risks can affect health, infrastructure, energy, transport, food and water security, ecosystems and economic activity simultaneously.

This integrated approach is essential because climate risks do not stop at administrative or sectoral boundaries. Their impacts can cascade from one sector or territory to another, creating wider challenges for societal and economic security.

The framework signals a shift from reacting to climate-related disasters towards anticipating and reducing risks before they turn into crises. This is increasingly important as climate resilience becomes not only an environmental challenge, but also an issue of European preparedness in a context of multiplying and increasingly interconnected threats.

This is not about mitigation or adaptation. We need both. And they need to strengthen each other. This is the only way to reach climate resilience. But we need to step up dramatically on preparedness.

Ursula von der Leyen stated in her 2026 State of the Union address

The European Parliament briefing provides further information on the framework and its implications.

For CERAC, this European framework reinforces an approach already at the heart of its mission. CERAC independently assesses Belgium's exposure and vulnerability to climate and environmental risks and provides policymakers with information and recommendations to help anticipate and adapt to them. Its work has a specific focus on national security and resilience.

By giving greater importance to climate risk assessment, risk governance and resilience planning, the European framework reinforces the relevance of this work. It also supports CERAC's approach of looking at climate risks across sectors and governance levels rather than treating them solely as environmental issues.

What is the EU Climate Resilience Framework?

The European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework aims to help the EU better anticipate, assess and manage growing climate risks. It promotes a proactive approach in which climate resilience is integrated into policies, investments and planning decisions.

What does the 3°C climate reference scenario mean?

The framework introduces a common EU reference scenario based on a global warming trajectory of 3°C by 2100. It will provide a shared reference for climate risk assessments at EU and national levels and will be regularly adjusted in line with evolving scientific evidence.

Why is climate resilience important for Europe?

Climate risks can affect health, ecosystems, infrastructure, energy, transport, food and water security, as well as the economy. Because these impacts can interact and cascade across sectors and borders, strengthening resilience is also increasingly important for Europe's security and competitiveness.